Otoplasty

Surgical Procedures

Otoplasty

What is Prominent Ear Aesthetics?

It is defined as a protrusion of the ear that appears abnormal, regardless of the size of the ear. The reason for the protruding appearance of the ear is that the angle of the ear with the head has increased and the Y-shaped cartilage fold that should be present in the natural ear appearance is not formed or is insufficient. Apart from this, defects in the ear skeletal structure and part or all of the ear being larger than it should be also cause significant ear deformity. These factors can be found individually or together. It is generally considered an aesthetic problem rather than a physical disease. Since childhood may be ridiculed by peers, effects such as lack of self-confidence and depression may be observed. Apart from this, it can affect the quality of life in adults and cause psychological and social problems.

Analysis of the Ear

When evaluating the ear from an aesthetic perspective, the harmony created by the ear with the face and head is important rather than the size of the ear. Even if the size of the ear is above normal limits, it is sufficient for an aesthetic appearance if its relationship with the head and face is normal.

It is normal to have asymmetries between the two ears, as in almost every organ of the human body. If the asymmetry is not obvious, it usually does not require treatment. In fact, asymmetries may continue at a minimal level after surgery.

Many parameters guide us when performing Otoplasty (Ear Aesthetics) surgery. However, the most important thing is the harmony of the ear with the head and face. During the surgery, the head is evaluated as a whole and the final shape of the ear is decided.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prominent Ear Surgery

When Should Prominent Ear Surgery Be Performed?

It is performed under general anesthesia in our childhood patients. Depending on the patient's wishes and tolerance, it can be performed during adolescence and adulthood by local anesthesia or intravenous mild drowsiness. If our patient is very restless and anxious, it can also be performed under general anesthesia in adulthood.

Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is often performed through an incision made behind the ear. The purpose of the surgery consists of creating missing cartilage layers that cause deformity, removing excess cartilage areas, and narrowing the existing large angle between the ear and the head and placing the ear in the appropriate position. Different techniques and applications can be performed depending on the variety and degree of deformity. Because different deformities often coexist at different degrees. Correct analysis of ear deformities is the most important step of otoplasty. The surgery usually takes 1.5 hours. A pressure dressing is applied with special dressing materials to prevent blood collection. Patients who received local anesthesia can be sent home on the same day. Patients who undergo general anesthesia can be monitored in the hospital for 1 night and discharged the next day.

What Should Be Considered After Protruding Ear Surgery?

Ear aesthetics is often performed through an incision made behind the ear. Since the incision is behind the ear, the scar is often not visible from the outside. It can only be seen when the ear is lifted. Stitches are removed after 1 week. Then, over time, the scar becomes less visible in approximately 6-12 months. In some special cases, it may be necessary to make an incision in front of the ear. In these cases, the incisions are usually hidden in the ear folds and stitched to minimize scarring.

These are deformities that may occur due to insufficiency in the ear cartilage and soft tissues during the development of the child in the womb or may occur entirely due to genetic inheritance. These include macrotia, shell ear, constricted (folded) ear, Stahl's ear, cryptotia, question mark ear. Some of these may accompany prominent ear deformity.