How many procedures of this type have you performed?

Ask for a number

Ask your surgeon this exact question, and ask for a number. The follow-up questions matter as much as the count.

What an ear pinning case count tells you

A number alone does not tell you much. Ask how many ear pinning cases the surgeon has done, how recently, and how many were like yours. A surgeon who answers clearly and without hurry is giving you useful information.

Build your own background first so the answer means something. A university hospital has a page on ear pinning, or otoplasty. A national health service explains ear correction surgery, and a clinic covers how ear pinning surgery, recovery and risks work. For the credential side of your question, a national plastic surgery society explains the differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery and why board certification matters.

Case-count questions for a Redmond-area consult

Bring these to your Redmond-area consultation:

• How many ear surgeries like mine have you done?
• How many in the last year or two?
• What does a typical case look like, and what do you do differently for cases like mine?
• Is it possible to speak with a past patient, or see photos of your work?

Keep a note of each answer. Compare notes if you see more than one surgeon.

Get the count from the surgeon

Only the surgeon can give you the case count, so get it directly.