Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Prominent Ear and Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty )
Otoplasty, also known as Prominent Ear Surgery, is a cosmetic procedure performed to correct prominent ears, a condition where the ear cartilage causes the ears to protrude more than normal. While it does not cause any physical health problems, prominent ears may lead to emotional distress, especially during childhood, due to teasing or bullying. Therefore, timely correction can play a significant role in preserving a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
What Is Prominent Ear?
The external ear (auricle) completes most of its development by the age of 4 to 5. If, during this period, the cartilage folds are underdeveloped or the ear appears excessively large or protruding, the condition is referred to as “prominent ears”. This condition can be corrected through prominent ear aesthetics, medically known as otoplasty.
In children, it is advised to wait until the ears are fully developed around age 5 before considering surgery. However, once the child reaches school age, further delay should be avoided to prevent potential psychological trauma from peer ridicule.
Who Is a Candidate for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty can be performed on:
- Children older than 5 years, once ear development is nearly complete
- Teenagers and adults who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears
- Individuals with no major health issues and realistic expectations
- Patients with asymmetrical ears, overly large ears, or misshapen ear cartilage
Types of Otoplasty Procedures
There are two main surgical techniques, depending on the underlying cause of the prominence:
- Stitch-Only Otoplasty
If the protrusion is caused solely by insufficient folds in the cartilage, the correction can be made without cutting by placing permanent sutures through tiny skin incisions to reshape and hold the cartilage. Based on my long-term experience, I would like to emphasize that I now choose this method only for a very limited number of patients. - Classical Otoplasty
When the cartilage itself is too large or requires structural reshaping, a small incision is made behind the ear. Excess cartilage may be removed or reshaped, and the ear is repositioned closer to the head. This incision is discreetly placed in the natural crease behind the ear and typically becomes barely noticeable within a year. Due to its reliable and consistent results, this method is the one I use most frequently.
Anesthesia and Surgical Details
- Children: Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- Adults: Usually performed under local anesthesia, without the need for sedation.
- Surgery Duration: Typically lasts about 1 hours.
- Hospital Stay: Otoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure with no overnight stay required.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Pain: Most patients experience only mild discomfort or a slight stinging sensation after the procedure.
- Bandaging: A firm dressing is applied for the first 24-48 hours to maintain the new ear position. After that, patients are asked to wear a soft headband only at night for about 7 days.
- Return to Routine: Children and adults can typically return to school or work within 5 days.
- Scarring: The scar is hidden behind the ear and becomes barely visible over time.
Why Is Surgical Planning Important?
Success in otoplasty depends heavily on correctly identifying where the deformity lies whether it’s a lack of curvature, excessive cartilage, or both. A personalized surgical plan ensures the best aesthetic and symmetrical outcome for each individual.
If you or your child is affected by prominent ears and considering a long-term, aesthetic solution, otoplasty may be the ideal option.
WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER OTOPLASTY?
Whether under local or general anesthesia, most patients are discharged on the same day. During the first two days, both the head and ear bandages are kept in place and not removed. During this period, patients may experience mild, throbbing pain. On the second day, the ear bandages are removed, which brings significant relief to the patient. However, the head bandage should continue to be worn at night for an additional week.
Patients are usually able to carry out all their daily activities the following day. However, a 5-day rest period is recommended before returning to work or school. It is also advised to refrain from engaging in any active sports for 4 weeks.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE FINAL RESULTS AFTER OTOPLASTY?
Swelling subsides within 2 weeks, with most ears settling into shape by then. Final ear definition continues up to 3 months. Patient satisfaction is generally high. Perfect and absolute symmetry is never the goal. A difference of 1–2 mm is inevitable, but such differences are not noticeable to the naked eye. Well-executed otoplasty significantly enhances facial harmony and psychological well-being
