Scarless & Incisionless Otoplasty with Dr. John Hilinski: Expert Ear Pinning in San Diego
Prominent ears can be a source of self-consciousness for both children and adults, but with advances in ear surgery, the solution doesn’t have to be invasive. Scarless otoplasty–also known as incisionless otoplasty–is a minimally invasive ear pinning procedure that can improve the appearance of prominent ears without the need for large incisions or extensive scarring.
Dr. John Hilinski, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in this innovative technique, offering patients a quicker recovery and more subtle results compared to traditional otoplasty. While this procedure may not be suitable for everyone, it’s an excellent option for patients who need minor adjustments to their ear shape and prominence.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
What is Scarless Otoplasty?
Scarless otoplasty, or incisionless otoplasty, is a minimally invasive ear pinning surgery designed to reshape and reposition prominent ears without large cuts or visible scars. Unlike traditional otoplasty, which requires incisions behind the ear to access the cartilage, scarless otoplasty uses permanent sutures to reshape the ear cartilage through small piercings or tiny incisions.
By placing sutures that gently pull the ear back, Dr. Hilinski is able to achieve the desired shape and position of the ear. While some cases may require a small incision to hide the suture knot, the overall approach is far less invasive, resulting in minimal visible scarring.
How is Scarless Otoplasty Performed?
Scarless otoplasty is performed by placing permanent sutures to bend and reshape the ear cartilage. These sutures are inserted through small skin piercings or a tiny incision. The sutures fold the ear cartilage back, repositioning the ear closer to the head. In many cases, no large incisions are required, and the ear maintains its new shape due to the body’s natural scarring around the sutures.
While there is no visible scarring on the skin’s surface, there is internal scarring, which is a positive outcome in this procedure. The body’s response to the sutures helps keep the ear in its new position for long-lasting results.
Who is a Candidate for Scarless Otoplasty?
Not everyone is a candidate for scarless or incisionless otoplasty. This minimally invasive technique is ideal for patients whose ear prominence is due to a poorly developed antihelix ridge–the natural fold inside the ear. If the ear’s prominence is caused by an overly developed conchal bowl (the cup-shaped portion of the ear), then traditional otoplasty may be required, as this condition typically involves cartilage removal, which cannot be addressed with a scarless approach.
Dr. Hilinski will evaluate your specific ear anatomy during the consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate for scarless otoplasty.
Benefits of Scarless Otoplasty
Minimal Scarring
No large incisions are made, and any small incisions are hidden behind the ear.
Quick Recovery
Patients experience less pain, swelling, and downtime compared to traditional otoplasty.
Local Anesthesia
In most cases, this procedure can be performed with local anesthesia, avoiding the need for general anesthesia.
Natural Results
The minimally invasive nature of the procedure ensures a more subtle, natural-looking outcome.
Reduced Risk of Complications
The less invasive approach reduces the risk of infection and other complications.
Scarless Otoplasty Recovery
Recovery from scarless otoplasty is generally easier and faster than traditional ear pinning surgery. Patients can expect:
- A compression bandage to be worn for a few days following surgery.
- Minor swelling and discomfort, which is usually much less intense than traditional otoplasty.
- The use of a compression bandage at night for several weeks to maintain the ear’s new shape.
- Most patients can return to regular activities within a few days.
FAQ: Scarless Otoplasty
Scarless otoplasty uses small piercings or tiny incisions and sutures to reshape the ear, whereas traditional otoplasty involves larger incisions and cartilage removal. Scarless otoplasty results in less visible scarring and a quicker recovery.
Scarless otoplasty is ideal for patients with prominent ears caused by a poorly developed antihelix ridge. It may not be suitable for patients with an overly developed conchal bowl, as this requires cartilage reduction, which cannot be done through scarless techniques.
While the procedure results in minimal or no visible scars on the surface of the skin, there is internal scarring that helps hold the ear in its new position. Small incisions may be made to hide the suture knot, but these incisions are typically invisible.
Most patients experience a quick recovery with minimal pain. A compression bandage is worn for a few days after the procedure, and patients can return to regular activities within a few days. A compression bandage is recommended at night for several weeks.
No, most scarless otoplasty procedures can be performed using local anesthesia, which means patients remain awake but comfortable during the surgery.
The results of scarless otoplasty are long-lasting. The body’s natural healing process forms internal scarring around the sutures, which helps to maintain the new ear shape for years.
In most cases, there are no visible scars as the sutures are placed through small piercings. If an incision is made to hide the suture knot, it will be small and typically hidden behind the ear.
Yes, scarless otoplasty can be combined with other ear surgeries, such as earlobe reshaping or correction of minor ear deformities. Dr. Hilinski will discuss your options during your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. John Hilinski for Scarless Otoplasty?
Dr. John Hilinski is a highly accomplished, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in ear surgery. He holds board certifications in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery, highlighting his ability to perform the most complex cosmetic and reconstructive ear procedures. Dr. Hilinski earned his medical degree from the prestigious Harvard Medical School, where he built a solid foundation in surgical precision and patient care. After medical school, he completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center, where he focused exclusively on surgeries involving the face, head, and neck, further honing his skills in ear surgery.
To deepen his specialization in facial and ear procedures, Dr. Hilinski pursued advanced fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Dean M. Toriumi, a world-renowned expert in facial plastic surgery, at the University of Illinois, Chicago. This rigorous fellowship provided Dr. Hilinski with cutting-edge techniques in ear surgery, including otoplasty, ear reconstruction, and correction of congenital ear deformities, equipping him to expertly manage both aesthetic and functional ear concerns.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hilinski
If you have prominent ears and are seeking a less invasive solution, contact Dr. John Hilinski, San Diego’s leading expert in scarless and incisionless otoplasty. Schedule your consultation today to see if this minimally invasive ear pinning procedure is right for you. Let Dr. Hilinski help you achieve natural-looking, beautifully balanced ears with minimal downtime and scarring.