The ear is a vital part of the face, protecting its integrity. Therefore, individuals with protruding ears often experience discomfort with their facial structure. This deformity, resulting from the numerous visible features of the ear, is a well-known problem both in our country and worldwide. A protruding ear is a condition where the ear protrudes more prominently and vertically (extends) from the head than it should. This is particularly noticeable when viewed from the front or back.

This ear problem is usually present at birth and has no impact on the body's overall function.

This innate appearance becomes a psychological problem for the individual from a young age, perceived by their peers. Later, in later years, protective behaviors such as shyness and hiding will persist throughout life.

This health problem is a psychological issue that affects one or both ears, with varying degrees and types affecting 6% of our country and around the world. Because this ear problem can lead to a lack of self-confidence, it's beneficial to seek treatment.

What are the causes of prominent ears?

Protruding ears, which are completely congenital, are a familial, or genetic, condition. If a parent, in particular, has this condition, the likelihood of developing it in a child is very high. Protruding ears are not a sign of a disease or a medical condition. Here are some of the genetically transmitted conditions that cause protruding ears:

• The cartilage in the ear has a loose and soft structure.
• The angle between the bone behind the ear and the auricle is quite large.
• The folds on the upper part of the ear are not formed and the auricle has a flat structure.

Sometimes, this problem may not be present in both ears of a newborn. Another theory is that the pinna develops its prominent appearance shortly after birth due to contraction of the muscles in front of the ear.

Who can undergo prominent ear surgery?

It takes until the age of 10 for the pinna to fully develop. Because this pinna problem bothers many people, it can be performed on anyone who is dissatisfied with the shape of their ears. Prominent ear surgery can be performed at any age and is safe. This condition can be treated both in childhood and adulthood.

How to Treat Prominent Ears?

Protruding ears are a lifelong problem. This surgery has become easily resolved with simple procedures. Protruding ear surgery should be performed at the right time and using the correct techniques. The procedure is performed under local or local anesthesia, taking into account the patient's age and following the doctor's recommendations.

The procedure takes 40-90 minutes, varying depending on the degree of openness and firmness of the ear cartilage. Treatment involves a cosmetic procedure, depending on the underlying cause, reshaping the ear cartilage to reflect the overall appearance and repositioning the ear. The procedure involves scaling the cartilage to the specific problem and weakening the cartilage slightly from the back and front. The procedure can be performed from childhood onwards. At Private Ankara Magnet Hospital, our Ear, Nose, and Throat and Plastic Surgery specialists perform the necessary examinations and procedures, then select a suitable timeframe for you. Patients with psychological distress, provided they have no health issues that would prevent surgery, are eligible for this procedure. Appropriate ear bands are placed on the ear after the surgery and left in place for 1-2 weeks. After recovery, there will be no hearing loss, and the patient can return to their normal daily life. After 1-2 weeks, the patient will regain their natural appearance, and the prominent ear will disappear.

Treatment of prominent ears in children (Otoplasty surgery)

Children are the group most at risk of experiencing ear deformities. Because ears develop during childhood, protruding ears can be performed at any age, starting at age 10. Because children's cartilage is softer than in adults, shaping and reshaping the cartilage is easier. Protruding ears negatively impact all school-aged children. Protruding ear surgery in children is performed under general anesthesia. The child must stay in the hospital for one night and be monitored with frequent dressing changes under the doctor's supervision. Protruding ear surgery does not have any negative effects on hearing. In many surgeries, no stitches are visible, and the surgery is unnoticeable to others. Because the patient, especially school-aged children, is psychologically affected, the sooner the better.

In adults , the situation is slightly different. Because adult cartilage has a harder structure, cosmetic surgery involves making a small incision in the ear to remove or weaken the cartilage. The cartilage is then processed with surgical thread to reshape the ear.

What should the post-operative process be like?

Postoperative recovery can take up to a week, depending on the patient's age, and there won't be any significant pain or discomfort. Medications prescribed by your doctor should be taken without interruption, depending on the severity of the pain. The bandage worn after protruding ear surgery (otoplasty) can last for 2-3 days. The patient doesn't need a dressing for 1-2 days after surgery. Redness and swelling may occur in the ear after surgery. This swelling usually subsides after about a week. This redness shouldn't be alarmed; it's normal and can occur in every patient. Patients should protect the ear area from any trauma that occurs temporarily after surgery. The process of ear transformation varies from patient to patient. Wearing an ear bandage for a period of time before bedtime will accelerate the healing and transformation process. If you follow your doctor's instructions exactly, your recovery will most likely be smooth and healthy.

Earplugs for children: Because children tend to play with their ears, earplugs are recommended. Patients are usually called for a follow-up visit after one week or one month to see how things are going.

What should be taken into consideration after Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)?

• Care should be taken when putting on and taking off clothes.
• Patients should have their dressings changed at least 4 days after surgery.
• It is recommended to use a headband, especially at night, for 15 days after the surgery.
• You should lie on your back for the first week.
• The patient must protect his/her ear against possible impacts for 1 month.
• The patient should not neglect the dressing regularly to prevent infection of the ear.
• One should follow the programs recommended by the doctor and use the prescribed medications regularly.
• Hair drying and blow drying should be avoided for a while.
• After the surgery, the patient can take a shower after the first dressing is done.
• Hair and ear bands should be used for a while to increase the speed of change.
• Glasses are safe to use after one week. As long as the patient doesn't experience any pain in their ear, they can still be used.
• The cream prescribed by your doctor behind the ear will be good to use for approximately 1 month.
• If the cream prescribed by your doctor causes inflammation, itching, or redness after surgery, you can consult your doctor and stop using the cream and use another cream.
• Keeping the ear area clean is very important for the patient's health.
• Keeping the ear moist is a fundamental step in a good healing process.
• The person undergoing the surgery must be very careful. They should not lie on their ear for a while. They should not make sudden movements when turning their head from side to side.
• Care should be taken not to wear tight clothing that may come into contact with the ear.

Most frequently asked questions

When does the ear return to its previous state after Protruding Ear Surgery?

The process of restoring the ear to its original state varies from person to person. The natural appearance and healing process of the ear depend on the patient, and as long as proper care is taken, the recovery will accelerate along with the healing process. The most common concern is the scarring. There are no visible scars at the surgical site. The benefits of prominent ear surgery include increased self-confidence and a positive impact on social interactions.

Will the ear return to its original shape after Protruding Ear Surgery?

When performed surgically, prominent ear surgery cannot be reversed. This surgery is permanent. There is no enlargement or asymmetrical deterioration of the ears. Surgery will increase the longevity of the condition. Although very rare, the need for re-opening is possible, but this is estimated to occur in a 3% rate.

Are there any risks to prominent ear surgery?

Protruding ear surgery (otoplasty) is generally a low-risk procedure. One possible risk is decreased hearing loss. However, this hearing loss is observed in 1% of cases after surgery. Another possible complication is facial paralysis, which is almost nonexistent (0.5%).

How many days does the recovery period of prominent ear surgery take?

Although the post-operative recovery process depends on the individual, it usually takes 1-2 weeks after the operation.

When are the stitches removed after prominent ear surgery?

The cost of removing stitches after otoplasty depends on the type of stitches used after surgery. Generally, the time it takes to remove a regular stitch is 7-10 days. Sometimes, self-dissolving stitches are used during surgery, eliminating the need for stitch removal. Protruding Ear Surgery Price:  The cost of protruding ear surgery (otoplasty) varies depending on many factors. Generally, the procedure varies depending on the patient's ear structure, the techniques used (e.g., purely cosmetic or an extended procedure), the doctor's experience and clinical characteristics. The cost may increase or decrease depending on the patient's specific condition and the preferred method.

To determine the prices before the surgery, a consultation with a specialist and a detailed examination must be performed.