Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ears that are not in the correct position in proportion to the head and face can create an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. With "otoplasty," an extremely simple aesthetic operation that leaves no visible scar, the problem of prominent ears can be easily solved in modern medicine. Also known as cosmetic ear surgery, otoplasty is a procedure performed to change the shape, position or size of the ears. With this method, deformities of the outer ear structure in children and adults are corrected with aesthetic surgery.

What is the anatomical problem in prominent ears?

The appearance of prominent ears results from anatomical deformities such as an underdeveloped ear fold, a deep concha, a protruding earlobe, or ears that are large in proportion to the head. The severity of each of these deformities can vary from patient to patient. The surgery aims to correct all types of deformities. Otoplasty is typically performed on both ears to optimize symmetry. Patients who are not satisfied with a previous ear surgery are also considered suitable candidates for otoplasty.

What are prominent ears and what problems can they cause?

Prominent ears are the most common ear deformity. They are mostly caused by laxity of the cartilage in the ear area or insufficient ear folds. For these reasons, the lax ear tilts forward or outward, creating an unpleasing appearance. They usually affect both ears, but in rare cases only one ear may look prominent. Prominent ears definitely require intervention because of the psychological problems they can cause, and thanks to the possibilities of modern medicine, they can be easily corrected with a simple operation.

Prominent Ear Surgery in Children

The auricle is formed while the baby is still in the womb; it continues to develop until the age of 5–6 and takes its final shape at this age. Children are the group that suffers most from ear deformities. For this reason, the problem should be corrected with otoplasty in children whose ear development is complete. Preschool children should have prominent ear surgery before they develop psychological problems, lose interest in lessons or start to dislike school. Psychological adjustment is much easier with surgery performed at an early age.

How is prominent ear surgery performed?

Before prominent ear surgery, as with all operations, patients are advised to stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least one week beforehand. This is very important for a fast recovery, because smoking reduces blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, you will need to arrange for someone to take you home after surgery and stay with you on the evening after the operation.

Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin should be avoided before the operation. Apart from these, any medications taken regularly must be reported to the doctor performing the surgery. Otoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia in adults, and under general anesthesia in children and in patients for whom local anesthesia is not suitable. During the operation, an incision is made behind the ear, the cartilage is thinned with a rasp, and the incision is then stitched closed. Because the stitches are behind the ear, they are not visible from the front.

Prominent ear surgery usually does not cause any pain. Any pain will be mild enough to be relieved with pain relievers. Because this aesthetic surgery is not related to hearing function, it is unlikely to cause any hearing problems and will not change your ability to hear.

After Prominent Ear Surgery

After ear surgery, a headband that is not too tight and completely covers the ears will be worn continuously for about 3 weeks. This reduces the load on the stitches holding the cartilage, which tends to return to its old shape. The cartilage firms up and heals in its new position. The headbands will probably cause some discomfort and itching, but they are important in the first few days after surgery because they reduce edema and help the swelling go down faster. A few days after otoplasty, your doctor will remove your bandage. Your ears may be swollen and red. You may need to wear a loose headband covering your ears at night for a few weeks. This will prevent your ears from being pulled forward when you turn over in bed.

Loss of sensation in the ear may last a few weeks, which is normal. During this period, avoid blow-drying your hair. The incision for prominent ear surgery is hidden behind the auricle, so it is not noticeable even when the head is viewed from behind.

Avoid sleeping on your side to prevent pressure on your ears. Also try not to rub the incisions or apply excessive force to them. You may want to consider wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loose collars.

Patients are satisfied with the result when the ears are as close to the head as possible. However, this gives the ears an unnatural appearance. For this reason, the ears should be brought only as close to the head as necessary. In the early period after surgery, the ears may look somewhat like this, but they will take on a more natural appearance as the edema subsides. Some degree of re-protrusion of the ears may also occur after surgery. This risk is lower in children. The risk is minimal in patients who are operated on with appropriate methods and who wear a headband for a sufficient period afterward.

While women can resume their normal activities after surgery, this process may take longer for men. Because it is normal for women to wear headbands as hair accessories, they can return to their normal activities right after surgery. However, because men are not used to wearing headbands, it may take them somewhat longer than women to return to their normal activities.