Preservation Otoplasty with Dr. John Hilinski: Expert Ear Pinning in San Diego
Over the past several years, Dr. John Hilinski has refined his otoplasty techniques to offer what he calls preservation otoplasty. Unlike traditional ear pinning surgeries that often involve removing cartilage, Dr. Hilinski’s preservation otoplasty focuses on reshaping and repositioning the ear while preserving the cartilage. This innovative approach maintains the ear’s structural integrity, ensuring long-lasting, natural results without compromising strength or stability.
Dr. Hilinski, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is highly regarded for his expertise in ear surgery. His preservation otoplasty technique is ideal for patients who want to reduce ear prominence while maintaining the natural support of the ear cartilage.
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 Preservation Otoplasty?
Preservation otoplasty is a specialized ear pinning technique where the ear cartilage is preserved rather than removed. Instead of cutting out cartilage from areas like the conchal bowl (the cup-shaped part of the ear that often contributes to a prominent appearance), Dr. Hilinski strategically uses sutures to reshape and reposition the ear, effectively reducing its prominence.
While incisions are still made during the procedure, cartilage is not removed. Dr. Hilinski makes precise cuts in the cartilage, known as relaxing incisions, which allow the ear to be repositioned closer to the head. By preserving the ear’s natural structure, the long-term stability of the ear is maintained, preventing the potential weakening that can occur with cartilage removal.
Why Choose Preservation Otoplasty?
Patients choose preservation otoplasty for several reasons:
Natural Appearance
Preservation otoplasty provides a more natural-looking outcome by maintaining the ear’s original cartilage structure. This helps the ear retain its shape over time.
Long-Term Stability
By preserving the cartilage, the ear remains strong and stable as you age, reducing the risk of complications or deformities.
Less Invasive Approach
This technique reshapes the ear without removing cartilage, minimizing unnecessary trauma to the ear’s structure.
Customized Results
Dr. Hilinski tailors each preservation otoplasty procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring personalized and harmonious results.
Conchal Bowl Reshaping
The conchal bowl, the bowl-shaped part of the ear, often contributes to the ear’s prominence. In traditional otoplasty, cartilage from the conchal bowl is often removed to reduce the ear’s size and pin it closer to the head. However, with preservation otoplasty, Dr. Hilinski makes an incision in the conchal bowl but preserves the cartilage. Instead of removing it, he uses sutures to reposition the cartilage and effectively bring the ear closer to the head without excising any tissue.
Relaxing Incisions
A key element of preservation otoplasty is the use of relaxing incisions, which are precise cuts made in the cartilage in specific areas. These incisions help overcome the natural “memory” of the cartilage, allowing it to settle more naturally in its new position. Dr. Hilinski uses these relaxing incisions to bend and reshape the ear more predictably and effectively, ensuring the ear stays in its new position during the healing process.
One of the primary locations for a relaxing incision is in the upper half of the ear, where it connects with the face. This allows the upper ear to be reshaped with minimal risk of the cartilage returning to its original position.
FAQ: Preservation Otoplasty
In traditional otoplasty, cartilage is often removed to reshape the ear. Preservation otoplasty, however, reshapes the ear without removing cartilage. Instead, the cartilage is repositioned using sutures and strategic incisions, allowing for more natural-looking and long-lasting results.
No, preservation otoplasty incisions are typically made behind the ear, so any scarring is hidden and not visible from the front or side.
Preservation otoplasty involves minimal cartilage removal, which may result in less discomfort during recovery compared to traditional otoplasty. However, both procedures are generally well-tolerated, and any discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. A compression wrap is typically worn around the head for the first week, and patients are advised to wear it at night for several weeks to ensure optimal healing.
If you have prominent ears and are looking for a less invasive approach to ear pinning, preservation otoplasty may be a good option for you. Dr. Hilinski will evaluate your ear structure and discuss your goals during your consultation to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Yes, as with traditional otoplasty, the ears may appear overcorrected immediately after surgery. This is normal, and the ears will gradually settle into a more natural position as they heal.
Yes, preservation otoplasty can be combined with other ear procedures, such as earlobe reshaping or gauge earlobe repair, depending on your needs.
Yes, the results of preservation otoplasty are long-lasting. By preserving the ear’s cartilage, Dr. Hilinski ensures the ears remain stable and maintain their new shape for a lifetime.
Why Choose Dr. John Hilinski for Preservation Otoplasty?
Dr. John Hilinski is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in otoplasty and other cosmetic ear procedures. He holds a medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at UCSD Medical Center. Dr. Hilinski is a leading expert in cosmetic ear reshaping, offering preservation otoplasty as an innovative solution for patients seeking natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Patients from all over San Diego and beyond, including La Jolla, Carlsbad, Escondido, Scripps Ranch, and Coronado, trust Dr. Hilinski for his exceptional expertise in ear surgery.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hilinski
If you’re considering preservation otoplasty to reduce ear prominence and achieve natural, long-lasting results, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Hilinski today. As a leading otoplasty expert in San Diego, Dr. Hilinski offers personalized care and innovative surgical techniques to help you achieve the look you desire. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a more confident appearance.