Otoplasty, or ear pinning, typically yields permanent results. Unlike many other cosmetic surgeries, otoplasty reshapes cartilage rather than contouring soft tissue. Once your ears heal, the cartilage retains its new shape. This makes proper care during otoplasty recovery crucial to ensuring that your ears hold the shape you want them to and not one born of improper care during healing.
During an otoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon will reshape the cartilage in your ear and secure it in its new position, making it highly unlikely that it will return to its original state. Over time, the natural aging process and the constant pull of gravity can cause slight changes in how your ears look, but these changes rarely affect the overall result of your otoplasty. Trauma to the ear could potentially change its shape after surgery, but the injury would need to be fairly severe.
In plastic surgery, the word permanent often comes with an asterisk behind it. Otoplasty is no different. While results are usually permanent, there are a few things that could allow your ears to shift after the procedure.
Adults who have finished growing have more stable ear cartilage than younger people. Because of this, younger patients require more sutures to hold their ears in place after surgery. Otoplasty is sometimes performed on children who aren’t finished growing, and this could impact the results. At Mia Aesthetics, we require all of our patients to be at least 18 years of age regardless of the procedure they are seeking.
It’s a simple fact that better plastic surgeons provide better surgical results. Choosing a skilled and trusted surgeon is important to ensuring that your otoplasty results match your expectations and remain with you forever. Selecting a well-qualified surgeon also reduces your risk of complications.
Your otoplasty results are permanent only once the cartilage in your ears has healed in its new position. Proper aftercare during your recovery, like wearing your headband as instructed, is important as it ensures your ears stay in the correct position as you heal from your otoplasty. Taking good care of yourself also helps you avoid potential complications that could alter your surgical outcome.
Your lifestyle choices could potentially impact the permanence of your otoplasty results. Repeatedly putting prolonged pressure on your ears can impact your long-term outcomes. An example of this would be wearing tight headgear while participating in sports.
Even if your otoplasty results are perfect, your surgeon doesn’t have a crystal ball that allows them to predict the future. You could, for example, suffer a traumatic ear injury while playing a contact sport or if involved in a car accident. While we certainly hope that something like this never happens, we can’t promise you that future injuries won’t ever compromise your otoplasty results.
Your otoplasty results are far more likely to be permanent if you follow a few tips. They include the following:
Otoplasty results are usually permanent, although age and injury could result in slight changes later in life. Your surgeon’s expertise is paramount to a permanent outcome, and it's helpful to wait until you’ve matured and your cartilage hardened to have the surgery. If you have more questions about otoplasty or want to see if you’re a good candidate, reach out to us by scheduling a free virtual consultation. We’ll be happy to discuss your goals and devise a personalized otoplasty surgical plan for you.
Yes, otoplasty results are considered permanent as the reshaped cartilage retains its new position after healing.
It is highly unlikely for your ears to return to their original shape and position if the procedure is performed by a skilled surgeon and you follow your aftercare instructions.
Aging may cause minor changes in the ear’s appearance, but it typically does not reverse the procedure’s results.
To preserve your otoplasty results, wear protective gear during contact sports, avoid pressure on the ears, and follow all post-op care instructions.
Revision otoplasty is possible and can address concerns, but most patients are satisfied with their initial results.
Yes. As the cartilage heals and scars mature, the ears become more secure in their new position.