Prominent ear is characterized by the incomplete formation of folds in the upper part of the ear and an angle between the head and the ear that is greater than normal. This condition causes the ear to protrude forward and is more apparent when viewed from behind. Otoplasty surgery brings the ears closer to the head and reshapes the underdeveloped folds.
Who is it Performed On?
Prominent ear can have a negative psychological impact, especially on school-aged children. It is recommended that these children have their ears corrected before they reach school age. The head circumference of children reaches 80% of its adult size by the age of 5, and surgery is recommended from this age onwards. While the most suitable age for surgery is between 5 and 10 years, it can also be performed in older individuals.
The idea that prominent ear surgery should be postponed until a child turns 18 is incorrect. Cartilage development in children’s ears is completed by age 4. To prevent situations that could damage a child’s self-confidence during school age, physicians recommend performing the surgery between the ages of 5 and 10.
Prominent ear surgery should be performed in a fully equipped outpatient treatment center or hospital. It is an operation that does not require hospitalization. Patients can comfortably get up and go home within a few hours after the surgery. Both types of anesthesia can be used for this type of surgery, depending on the patient’s age and preference. With local anesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain as they are kept in a semi-conscious state with sedoanalgesia.
What is the Prominent Ear Surgery Technique?
Different techniques can be used for prominent ear surgery.
In the classical technique, an incision is made behind the earlobe to access the cartilage tissue. Depending on the deformity, cartilage is either removed, filed, or folded to reshape it. Permanent sutures are placed inside the ear to maintain the new shape. There will only be an incision scar behind the ear.
Another method, if the ear structure is suitable, is a completely scarless technique. In this technique, shaping is performed by entering through the inner fold of the front ear. Since the incisions and sutures are hidden within the fold, no visible scar is formed. This method was developed by Prof. Dr. Onur Erol and has entered world literature.
The surgery lasts approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the ear deformity and the procedure to be performed.
After prominent ear surgery, the patient’s head will be bandaged for shaping and healing. The bandage is removed after 3-6 days. After the bandages are removed, headbands or special bands are recommended, especially for nighttime use. If dissolvable sutures were not used, the stitches will be removed after 1 week. Mild pain and soreness may occur after surgery, but these can be managed with painkillers.
How long does it take to heal after prominent ear surgery, and when can normal life resume?
Children can return to school within 1 week, and adults can return to work within 7 days. Swelling from the surgery partially subsides within 2-3 weeks. Normal sports activities can be resumed after 3 weeks, but any activity that could harm the ear or cause it to bend should be avoided for about 1.5 months. It takes 4-6 weeks for the ear to fully settle and achieve its final shape.
The ear begins to take its final, unoperated appearance from 3 months onwards, but as with all surgeries, the definitive result of ear surgery is seen at the end of 1 year.
