Does Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery) Hurt? | What You Must Know

Many people considering otoplasty or ear pinning surgery understandably worry about the potential for pain. 

It’s common for people to wonder if this surgical procedure is painful. The short answer is yes, there will be some discomfort involved. 

This article dives into the specifics of what to expect and how to manage otoplasty pain.

Pain During Otoplasty

Otoplasty is minimally invasive, meaning the surgeon doesn’t have to make large incisions or extensively manipulate deep tissues. This translates to a reduced potential for severe pain during the surgery itself. What’s more, you’ll be given anaesthesia to ensure comfort.

Otoplasty is typically done with either local anaesthetic and sedation or general anaesthesia. 

In local anaesthesia, your eyes will be numbed and you’ll likely receive intravenous (IV) medications like midazolam (Versed) or propofol for relaxation and drowsiness.

You will be put completely to sleep in general anaesthesia, meaning you won’t feel anything during the surgery. You may be administered medications like propofol, inhaled anaesthetics, and pain relievers to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss the best type of anaesthesia for your case.

Pain After Otoplasty

It’s normal to experience some discomfort in the days following surgery, as it is an invasive one after all. Here’s what you might expect:

• Timeline: The first few days after the surgery can be the most uncomfortable. But pain gradually subsides after about 3 days, with continued improvement over the following weeks. Discomfort fully resolves within 1-2 months for most people
• Type of Pain: Otoplasty pain is typically described as soreness, aching, or a throbbing sensation mainly focused around the ears themselves. Some patients might feel tightness or a mild burning feeling around the incisions. Infrequently, there might be brief, sharp bursts of pain that might radiate into the surrounding areas.

Individual Variation: People have varying degrees of pain tolerance. Some sail through recovery with minimal discomfort, while others may be more sensitive. Factors like your pain threshold, extent of surgery, and adherence to post-op instructions can affect your experience.

How To Minimise Pain From Otoplasty Or Ear Pinning Surgery

Your surgeon is crucial in managing the pain you experience after the surgery. 

Follow the surgeon’s post-care instructions closely

Your specialist plastic surgeon will offer detailed post-operative care instructions that may include the following:

• Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated even while sleeping. This practice reduces swelling and pressure on your ears.
• Post-Surgery Headband: Wear this as directed. The headband applies gentle pressure to aid healing and alleviate some form of discomfort.
• Incision Care: Proper cleaning and bandage changes reduce infection risk.
• Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities and anything that could put pressure on your ears.
• Ice Packs: Applying ice packs gently to your ears (wrapped in a clean cloth) can significantly reduce swelling and pain. Aim for 15-20 minutes on, followed by a break to avoid skin irritation.

Medication As Prescribed: You will likely be prescribed pain medication which you’ll need to take according to instructions. Follow the surgeon’s instructions to the T, even if you start feeling better. This helps prevent pain from rebounding and ensures smoother healing.

How Surgeons Minimise Otoplasty Complications

Otoplasty is generally considered safe with high satisfaction rates, but carries some degree of risk, no matter how minute it may be. 

Surgeons employ several surgical techniques to minimise complications.

Cartilage-Sparing Technique

Many surgeons favour techniques that preserve as much natural cartilage as possible. This reduces disruption of the ear structure, promoting faster healing and lowering the risk of unnatural contours.

Meticulous Suturing

Careful suture placement and tension adjustment are crucial to prevent the recurrence of protruding ears and achieve a natural-looking result. Common techniques involve the Mustrade and Furnas technique, which rely on permanent sutures to ensure the final positioning of the ear.

With these best practices, surgeons can prevent surface irregularities, undesired contouring, etc.

Dr Jack Zoumaras Is Ready To Address All Your Concerns About Otoplasty Surgery

Dr. Jack Zoumaras offers clear, transparent, and direct information about an otoplasty, including results, recovery, and potential risks. He’ll carefully assess whether this surgery is right for you and ensure you understand all options before considering an invasive procedure. 

There’s no obligation to continue if it’s not the right fit, and it’s important to exhaust all other avenues before opting for cosmetic surgery, as it carries inherent risks.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All plastic surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Recovery varies between 1-4 weeks. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons. More information on our website. 

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.