Overview
Pinnaplasty, also known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to correct protruding or misshapen ears in children. It helps improve ear appearance, facial symmetry, and boosts a child’s self-confidence, especially when teased at school or socially.
South Korea is recognized for expert pediatric plastic surgeons, advanced surgical techniques, and child-friendly hospital environments, ensuring safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing results.
What is Pinnaplasty?
Pinnaplasty involves reshaping the cartilage of the ear and repositioning it closer to the head, correcting prominent or asymmetrical ears. Key points include:
✔ Cosmetic and functional correction: Restores normal ear shape and position.
➔ Cartilage reshaping and suturing: Maintains ear contour while preserving growth potential.
● Minimally visible scars: Incisions hidden behind the ear.
★ Early intervention: Usually performed once the ear has reached sufficient size, often around ages 5–7.
Pediatric pinnaplasty aims to reduce social stigma and enhance self-esteem while maintaining natural ear growth.
What are the Benefits?
Pinnaplasty offers several advantages in children:
✔ Improves ear appearance and facial balance.
➔ Reduces bullying or self-consciousness.
● Minimally invasive: Short surgery with small, hidden incisions.
★ Durable and permanent results.
➤ Customizable approach: Corrects a wide range of ear deformities including lop ear, cup ear, and prominent ear.
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for Pinnaplasty?
Preparation ensures safe surgery and smooth recovery:
✔ Medical evaluation: Assess general health, ear anatomy, and surgical suitability.
➔ Medication review: Avoid blood-thinning medications if possible.
● Anesthesia consultation: Pediatric anesthesia plan reviewed with parents.
★ Patient and parent counseling: Explain procedure, risks, expected outcomes, and post-op care.
➤ Pre-operative photos: Helps with planning and evaluating results post-surgery.
2) What happens during the procedure Pinnaplasty?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia for children:
✔ Incision placement: Small incision behind the ear to access cartilage.
➔ Cartilage reshaping: Surgeon folds, trims, or sutures cartilage to achieve proper contour.
● Ear repositioning: Ears brought closer to the head if protruding.
★ Closure: Incisions closed with fine sutures; typically hidden from view.
➤ Protective dressing: A headband or bandage is applied to support healing and maintain ear position.
Korean pediatric surgeons often use precise cartilage techniques and careful suture placement to ensure natural ear shape and minimal scarring.
3) What happens after Pinnaplasty?
Post-operative care focuses on healing, comfort, and protection of the surgical site:
✔ Pain management: Mild discomfort treated with pediatric analgesics.
➔ Dressing care: Headband or bandages typically worn for 1–2 weeks.
● Activity restrictions: Avoid rough play, contact sports, and sleeping on ears for several weeks.
★ Follow-up visits: Monitor healing, suture integrity, and ear position.
➤ Scar care: Incisions fade over time and remain hidden behind the ear.
Risks / Benefits
Possible Risks:
✔ Mild pain, swelling, or bruising
➔ Infection at incision site (rare)
● Asymmetry or minor contour irregularities
★ Cartilage overcorrection or undercorrection
➤ Temporary numbness or altered sensation around the ear
Major Benefits:
✔ Improves ear shape and symmetry
➔ Boosts confidence and self-esteem in children
● Minimally invasive with short recovery
★ Permanent, natural-looking results
➤ Reduces risk of social stigma or bullying
Recovery and Outlook
✔ Immediate recovery: Most children resume light activity within 1–2 days.
➔ Swelling and bruising: Peaks within 2–3 days and subsides over 2–4 weeks.
● Headband usage: Maintains ear position for 1–2 weeks.
★ Return to school or normal activity: Usually possible after 1–2 weeks; sports after 4–6 weeks.
➤ Long-term outcome: Results are permanent; ears maintain corrected shape throughout life.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice:
✔ Severe or worsening pain
➔ Signs of infection (redness, pus, fever)
● Bleeding or hematoma formation
★ Significant asymmetry or ear displacement
➤ Persistent numbness or altered sensation
Best Korea Option / Process
South Korea provides expert pediatric pinnaplasty care with:
✔ Leading hospitals: BK Plastic Surgery, ID Hospital, Samsung Medical Center Pediatric Plastic Surgery.
➔ Advanced surgical techniques: Minimal scarring and natural results for children.
● Experienced pediatric plastic surgeons: Skilled in age-appropriate otoplasty.
★ Comprehensive care: Pre-op consultation, surgery under general anesthesia, and follow-up monitoring.
➤ Medical tourism support: Translation, travel coordination, and post-procedure follow-up for international patients.
✅ Highlights:
✔ Pinnaplasty corrects protruding or misshapen ears in children
➔ Minimally invasive with hidden incisions behind the ear
● Boosts confidence and reduces social stigma
★ Risks include infection, asymmetry, or temporary numbness
➤ Korean hospitals provide advanced techniques, skilled pediatric surgeons, and thorough follow-up care
