What Is Ear Aesthetic Surgery?
Our ears, which enable us to perform the function of hearing, may exhibit structural deformities due to certain developmental issues. One of the most common aesthetic problems seen in ears is what we call prominent ears, where the ears are more curved forward than normal. Ear surgery generally refers to procedures performed to correct structural deformities of the ears caused by congenital or acquired reasons.
Particularly, congenital absence of the ears, deformities in the cartilage structure, and protrusions may cause the ears to have an unappealing aesthetic appearance. All of these conditions can be corrected through ear aesthetic procedures. As mentioned above, the most commonly seen issue in ear deformities is prominent ears.
What Are Prominent Ears?
Although prominent ears are socially thought of as ears that are larger and more forward-tilted than normal, in reality, the ears of individuals with prominent ears are of normal size. However, because they tilt forward, they appear larger than they actually are.
As is known, ear development continues until about age 6, and then it stops. During this process, ears that are flat, have cartilage deformities, or curve forward can negatively impact the aesthetic appearance. All of these issues are problems that can be treated through prominent ear surgery.
IMPORTANT!
While most aesthetic procedures are done after the age of 18–20, once the development of the relevant body part is complete, prominent ear surgery can be performed starting from the age of 6. This helps prevent children from experiencing discomfort or bullying when they begin school.
In fact, most of the patients who apply to us are between the ages of 18–30. Yet this issue could have been corrected in childhood, and carrying it into adulthood often leads to psychological problems caused by societal criticism. Parents who have faced similar issues before can find helpful experiences shared on platforms like “Kadınlar Kulübü” (Women’s Club).
Moreover, almost all individuals who undergo prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) at our clinic gain self-confidence and become more self-assured and comfortable with themselves after achieving an aesthetically pleasing ear appearance.
What Does Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Involve?
The main focus of the surgical procedures we perform in otoplasty is correcting the underdevelopment of the ear folds and reducing the angle between the head and ears when it is larger than normal.
In this context, many of our patients request that their ears be almost attached to their heads. However, we determine the most appropriate angle between the ear and the head for an aesthetically pleasing result and perform the surgery accordingly. That’s why choosing the right doctor is very important for this. Click here to learn more about Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya.
Are There Different Types of Prominent Ears?
Yes. If the cartilage tissue in one or both ears has structural abnormalities, there can be different types of prominent ears. For example, only one ear may curve forward, or the ear folds may not have formed properly, resulting in flat ears. These are some of the variations observed.
When Should Prominent Ear Surgery Be Performed?
As mentioned above, otoplasty is best performed after the ears have completed their development, which typically occurs around age 6. Structural deformities after this point can make a child the target of teasing by peers.
Moreover, because emotional development is not fully formed at this age, cruel criticism and jokes can cause psychological problems. Therefore, early intervention is crucial.
How Is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
For young children, we usually perform the operation under general anesthesia, while adult patients are treated under local anesthesia. The procedure lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and corrects the structural deformities of the ears.
First, after anesthesia is applied, a small amount of skin is removed from behind the ear, and markings are made to reshape the ear. If there are cartilage-related issues, procedures like filing and shaping are done through the incision.
Next, the ear is reshaped and the angle with the head is adjusted. In some cases, the earlobe may also be excessively forward. In such cases, a small amount of tissue is removed from behind the earlobe to reposition it and achieve a natural look.
After the procedure, the area is dressed in a way that can be easily covered with a headband to conceal the post-operative appearance. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled for the 4th and 15th days. Once the desired appearance is achieved, the wounds are allowed to fully heal.
What Should Be Considered After the Surgery?
Typically, patients return to the clinic the day after surgery for a follow-up, during which the bandage is cleaned and renewed. To ensure full healing, a headband should be worn from the first day and for about 3 weeks.
Otherwise, the cartilage may attempt to return to its previous state. However, wearing a headband during this time helps the cartilage retain its new form and ensures the results of the surgery are maintained.
The headband also prevents cartilage regression, reduces swelling, and prevents friction on the ears while sleeping.
IMPORTANT
Hairdryers and blow dryers should not be used for a few weeks after prominent ear surgery.
Will There Be Scarring After Prominent Ear Surgery?
After the surgery, a small scar may be visible behind the ear where the initial incision was made. However, this scar is only noticeable if you look very closely from the back of the head. After about 12 months, this scar will fade completely.
Our professor has been a specialist in this field for over 15 years. [Click here to read more about them.]
What Are the Potential Complications After Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)?
Complications like bleeding, which can occur in any surgical procedure, may also happen after prominent ear surgery. In such cases, we drain the blood collected inside the ear with a syringe.
On the other hand, although infections can be a common issue after surgeries, the risk of infection is quite low in otoplasty, as the procedure mostly targets the cartilage tissue.
In rare cases, if a cartilage infection develops and goes unnoticed, a second intervention may be needed to repair the cartilage.
Some patients may express dissatisfaction within the first 3 weeks after surgery, noting that their ears still appear puffy or overly forward. However, this is usually due to post-operative swelling that has not yet fully subsided. Around the 3-week mark, the ear structure becomes more defined, allowing patients to better assess the results.