Prominent
Ear
Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Prominent ear deformity is a congenital problem that often affects a person both aesthetically and psychologically from childhood. It can lead to a damaged self-perception, lack of self-confidence, and especially peer bullying during school years.
Prominent ear correction is one of the aesthetic surgeries that can be performed at the earliest age in plastic surgery. Since 80% of ear development is completed by the age of 5, a child can easily undergo the surgery at this age. This allows them to enter the school period, when social relationships begin, with an aesthetic ear appearance.
What Causes Prominent Ears?
The problem of prominent ears is based on two main reasons:
* Overdeveloped or outwardly angled conchal cartilage:
This structure, located in the center of the ear and covering the entrance of the ear canal, can be very large or protrude from the skull at a wide angle. This causes the ears to stick out forward and sideways.
* Underdeveloped antihelical fold:
The antihelix, the fold on the outermost edge of the auricle that gives the ear its curved shape, is underdeveloped in some individuals. In this case, the ear appears as a flat surface.
Sometimes these two conditions can occur together, causing the ears to become significantly prominent.
How is the Surgery Performed?
Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is a comfortable procedure that usually takes 1-1.5 hours under local anesthesia. For child patients, general anesthesia may be preferred.
All surgical incisions are made on the back surface of the ear, near the hairline. Therefore, the surgical scar is not visible.
Procedures that can be performed during the surgery:
If the conchal cartilage is large: The cartilage is fixed closer to the bone, or a piece is removed to reduce its size.
If the antihelical fold is underdeveloped: This fold is recreated with permanent aesthetic sutures.
In some cases, both methods are applied together to bring the ears to a more aesthetic and symmetrical position.
Post-Surgery Process
* For the first week after surgery, a headband similar to a tennis player's band is used continuously.
* At the end of the first week, the stitches are removed.
* For the next 3 weeks, it is recommended to wear this bandage only at night.
* During this process, the ear tissues adapt to their new shape, and healing is completed comfortably.
Why Choose Prominent Ear Surgery?
* It boosts self-confidence
* It provides a more balanced and symmetrical facial profile
* It allows freedom from an appearance that restricts hairstyles or the use of accessories
* It prevents social isolation in children and supports their psychological development