Elena Prousskaia is one of the surgeons who has a range of techniques at their disposal having trained to the highest of levels (please read more about Elena below).
Having a range of approaches ensures that the correct option is chosen in each circumstance, there is no need for a less skilled one-size-fits-all type approach.
The option suggested will depend on the precise aim of the pinnaplasty – for instance is it purely to pin the ear, or also to re-shape or resize to some extent?
As a patient, you do not need to be an expert on the techniques, but you do need to find a surgeon who instills confidence and has a proven portfolio that shows they can achieve the results you want.
While there are differences to techniques, there are also broad similarities.
A cut will be made to the back of the ear and some skin peeled from the cartilage, following this the shape of the cartilage is then altered, this helping to bring the ear closer to the head.
A dressing and stitches would be applied.
Performed under local or general anaesthetic, this is a procedure that will take around 90 minutes in most instances.
The surgery is considered safe and has excellent results, though there are some risks inherent with all surgery, for instance risk of infection.
Ms Prousskaia would detail the precise nature of the surgery as well as the recovery process and nature of any risks.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for some weeks post-surgery. The full, final results of the surgery will be visible after around six weeks, this after all swelling has receded and the ears have fully healed.
The recovery is straightforward in the vast majority of cases and, mild pain and swelling aside, not uncomfortable.