Prominent Ear Aesthetics

The normal auricle is located at an angle of less than 25 degrees from the side of the skull. This distance is about 2 cm. These are approximate values. When these figures are exceeded, the scoop of the ear becomes more prominent. In order to correct prominent ears, it is necessary to analyze the underlying anatomical cause. There may be a deformity in the prominent ear for 3 reasons, which can cause prominent ear separately or together.

1) Antihelix, which means the insufficiently developed auricle in the upper part of the ear.
2) Prominent concha (middle of the pick)
 3) Prominent earlobe

The most common deformity of the ear is the prominent ear deformity. Prominent ear deformity can be corrected with otoplasty. Not only the auricle but also the size of the auricle, deformity of the earlobe and other deformities can be corrected with otoplasty. The auricle is not only a cosmetic structure, it also plays a role in hearing. It allows sound waves to be collected like a funnel and transmitted to the middle ear.

There are no strict rules about the timing of otoplasty. Surgery is not recommended for children under 5 years of age. Most of our patients are adults. In adults, a surgical procedure can be performed with regional anesthesia (local), without the need for full (general) anesthesia. Thanks to the developing surgical techniques, the prominent ears can be corrected after a 45-minute procedure. You can be discharged on the same day without being hospitalized.

Surgery can be performed using several different techniques. The most popular techniques are the suture technique and cartilage weakening technique. Both techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the cartilage weakening technique, cartilage can be shaped without permanent sutures.

In the first 40 days, techniques such as swaddling with tennis bands may work for shaping the ear in infants. The effects vary from patient to patient. A pressure dressing is applied for care after the surgery for a few days. Surgery is supported with a tennis bandage until 6 weeks after the dressing is removed. The most common complication is bleeding. It usually heals on its own. In some cases, additional interventions such as draining the bleeding may be necessary.