Chances of ears moving forward several weeks after ear pinning (otoplasty/pinnaplasty).

Question

Hello. I had my ears pinned back around 4-5 weeks ago using the stitch method. Have my ears "set" where they will stay or is there a chance they could start sticking out further? If they can still move how long will it be before movement isn't a risk anymore?

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Ear position can "relax" up to one year following otoplasty, although, most of the time this happens by 3 months post-op.  You can feel pretty confidant that your result at 3-4 months, is what your future ear position will be.  Good luck!

Ahmed Ali-Khan, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hi thank you for your question. In response it depends on what was done and with what suture. There are different techniques and different sutures that can be used. If, as I do, it was performed with permanent sutures (that do not dissolve) the risk of migration (the ear moving forward) is reduced. No matter what suture is chosen they are always relatively thin and can snap if care is not taken. 
I tend to recommend patients wear a soft head band (particularly at night when sleeping) to protect the ears from being knocked or pulled accidentally for 6-8 weeks after surgery. After that it is less likely that minor knocks or bumps will cause any problems. 3-4 months from surgery it is very unlikely the ear position will migrate much but some movement might occur for up to 12 months (in my experience this is very unusual).
Best wishes.

Chances of ears moving forward several weeks after ear pinning (otoplasty/pinnaplasty).

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Chances of ears moving forward several weeks after ear pinning (otoplasty/pinnaplasty).

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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