What is Pinna?

The outer part of the ear in human beings is known as Pinna or Auricle.

What is Pinna Repair?

Pinna repair is the reconstruction of avulsed or lacerated Pinna.

What are the Causes of Pinna Damage?

Trauma: Trauma to ear Pinna due to dog bites, piercings, allergies, accidents, etc.
Injuries: Abrasion, tear, avulsion of the auricle.
Tumors: Malignant tumors also cause damage to Pinna.

What are the Treatment Options for Pinna Repair?

The most common reattachment methods include:

• Reattachment as a composite graft.
• Reconstruction using local flaps.
• Pocket principle
• Baudet method
• Microvascular repair.

What is the Procedure for Pinna Repair Surgery?

• Pinna repair surgery is performed under local anesthesia.
• The doctor will perform a thorough wash with normal saline, hydrogen peroxide, and povidine iodine solution.
• A thorough wash is then followed by debridement of devitalized tissues.
• The surgeon will suture the cartilage, and a pressure dressing is applied to maintain contour.
• You will be put on a course of antibiotics prophylactically for seven days.
• Suture removal will be done on the seventh day.

What to Expect after Pinna Repair?

Swelling

• Swelling will vary from patient to patient.
• Swelling may increase the first 3-4 days and starts subsiding. Swelling should resolve within the first 2-3 weeks.
• To minimize the swelling, apply cold packs for the first 3-4 days.

Discoloration
Bruising will also vary from person to person.

• Mostly bruising and discoloration will be resolved for two weeks.

Numbness

• Your ears may be numb following surgery. Numbness is normal and will subside within a week.

Depression

• It is not uncommon for patients to go through a period of mild depression after cosmetic surgery.
• Depression typically occurs in the first week after surgery, while some of the swelling and bruising persist, yet the patient is anxious to see a final result. Realize this is a temporary condition, and things will improve.

Postoperative instructions:

• Don't do strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
• Avoid "pull-over" clothing for two weeks.
• Avoid chewing hard foods for two weeks.
• Avoid smoking for two weeks, as smoking delays healing and also increases the chances of complications.
• The doctor will give you a headband, and you should always wear it. The headband keeps your ears in position.

Report the doctor immediately if you notice sudden bleeding, pus drainage following surgery.