With the protruding ear operation, the ear is aesthetically reshaped, while the psychological effects experienced by the person due to this issue are also eliminated.
Protruding Ear
Protruding ears are -to a large extent- a feature that people have from birth. In some cases, there may be deformities in the ear not from birth but after traumas.
This feature can cause people to feel uncomfortable in society as they grow older. Even if people do not experience any discomfort due to their protruding ears from childhood, they can start to be affected psychologically due to negative situations such as being mocked by their peers, especially during school age. Even if the person is not exposed to any negative comments from their surroundings, they may want to change this situation on their own due to the position of the ears.
First of all, it should be noted that protruding ears are not a feature indicating a disease, but an ear shape that people may feel uncomfortable with only as an aesthetic appearance. People who are bothered by the appearance of their prominent ears complain about the statements of those around them who make fun of this situation, not being able to tie their hair so as not to expose their ears or not being able to use them as they wish.
This ear shape can be corrected with a single surgery.
In the case of prominent ears, which are caused by the absence of a fold that should be at the top of the ear, there is a wider angle between the back of the ear and the skull than in its normal position. With prominent ear surgery (otoplasty), this angle is pulled to the required point and the appearance of the ear is corrected.
At What Age Is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
The ear stops growing at the age of 6. Therefore, this surgery can be performed at the request of the family from the age of 6.
How Is Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Performed?
It can be performed with local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is preferred for very young children. It can also be performed with local anesthesia for older patients. Prominent ear surgery takes about an hour.
By entering from behind the ear, the required fold in the ear cartilage is created. This fold is the fold that allows the ear to stand at an angle closer to the skull. Stitches are placed from the point entered from behind the ear while creating this fold.
In case of ear deformities that occur after trauma, ear shaping can be done with cartilage taken from the patient’s own body.
Since these stitches are permanent and sturdy, they remain in place after the operation. Approximately one hour of surgery is sufficient for all these procedures. It should also be noted at this point that prominent ear surgery does not cause any problems with the ear’s hearing.
After Prominent Ear Surgery
After the surgery, it is required to use tennis headbands for about a week (day and night) in order for the ears to take shape and maintain their new position. The use of tennis band is beneficial in terms of reducing pain and preventing unwanted conditions such as bleeding and edema, as well as shaping. The use of tennis band starts with the removal of the first dressing the day after the surgery. Since self-dissolving stitches are used in the surgery, patients who need to travel can travel even 2-3 days after the surgery.
Will There Be a Scar After Prominent Ear Surgery?
Prominent ear (otoplasy) surgery is a surgery performed from behind the ear. Since the scar of the incision made at the point where the ear meets the head remains in the ear fold, there is no visible scar.
Will There Be Asymmetry After Prominent Ear Surgery?
Each organ found in pairs in the natural structure of the human body can differ from each other, even if it is small. Patients may also encounter small asymmetries naturally found in the body after the prominent ear surgery. These details will disappear over time and the ears will take their final shape.
