Awake face surgery
Awake Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) in Ottawa
Otoplasty reshapes prominent or misshapen ears and pins them closer to the head. In adults it is often performed under local anesthesia, so awake surgery suits many patients.
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 1 to 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Often a good candidate for awake surgery |
| Typical return to desk work | Desk work often within about a week |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is otoplasty (ear pinning)?
Through an incision behind the ear, cartilage is reshaped and secured with sutures to create a natural fold and position. The scar sits in the crease behind the ear.
Who may be a good candidate
- Adults who are bothered by prominent ears
- People with asymmetric or misshapen ears
- Patients with realistic expectations
Why awake otoplasty (ear pinning) may work
The ear is small, well supplied by predictable nerves, and responds well to local anesthetic. Awake surgery avoids a general anesthetic and allows ear position to be assessed during the operation. Procedure-specific published evidence is limited, but local anesthesia is a well-established approach for small surface procedures.
When awake may not be the right choice
Anxious patients may prefer sedation. Children are generally treated differently, so this page addresses adult care.
Your awake otoplasty (ear pinning) journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We examine your ear anatomy and agree on the desired ear position.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The ears are numbed and a small incision behind the ear is made. Sedation is added as needed.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Soreness and swelling. A head dressing is worn. |
| Week 1 | Dressing changed. Sutures dissolve or are removed. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | A headband at night is often advised. |
| Months 3 to 6 | Swelling settles and result matures. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Observation, or ear molding in infancy.
Risks
Asymmetry, recurrence of prominence, scarring, hematoma, infection, altered sensation, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake otoplasty (ear pinning)
Can it be done awake?
Often yes.
Will the scar show?
It is hidden behind the ear.
How long is the headband needed?
Often a few weeks, especially at night.
Will my ears stay pinned?
Most do, but some recurrence is possible.
Related procedures
Starting from $6,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
Evidence note: published studies specific to this procedure under awake or local anesthesia are limited. The approach described here follows general principles of local anesthesia and is individualized to each patient. General references on local anesthetic safety are listed below.
References
- Conroy PH, O'Rourke J. Tumescent anaesthesia. Surgeon. 2013;11(4):210-221. PMID 23375489
- Dillane D, Finucane BT. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Can J Anaesth. 2010;57(4):368-380. PMID 20151342