Prominent Ear Aesthetics
Prominent ear or prominent ear is an easy-to-treat condition that can cause psychological and social problems in children and adults. Children can be negatively affected psychologically by being teased by their friends at school or in the neighborhood. Adults who continue their lives with prominent ears can often experience an internal insecurity about their ears. Women cover their ears with long hair and cannot wear their hair up for fear that their ears will be visible. Men often do not have this chance either. Although prominent ear is a surgery that is treated more frequently in children, adults can also frequently apply for this procedure.
What is the Problem with Prominent Ears?
In patients with prominent ears, the angle of the ear with the head may be wider than it should be. The spoon-like cartilage structure located in the inner part of the ear called concha may be large and oval. These conditions make the ear look open outwards. This is especially evident when viewed from behind. The absence of the folds that should be in the upper half of the ear prevents the necessary opening of the ear and increases the prominence.
Are There Non-Surgical Solutions for Prominent Ears?
Yes, it is possible if children with prominent ears are recognized immediately after birth. Under the supervision of a plastic surgeon, these babies can be treated with ear bandages applied daily by their families for 2-3 months. After this treatment, the ears do not become prominent as before.
At what age is the earliest age for this surgery?
This is the plastic surgery we can perform at the youngest age. It can be applied in the period before starting school. It is necessary to talk to children very well and give information before this procedure. It can be applied at any age in adults.
Is anesthesia necessary?
In adults, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia and sedation (semi-sleep) anesthesia. General anesthesia (narcosis) may be preferred in children. The operating room environment should be preferred. The main thing done in prominent ear surgery is to change the shape of the ear with stitches and removal of excess cartilage. Thus, the ear is made open enough to be separated from the scalp at a slight angle and the missing folds on it are created.
How is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
There are many techniques used for ear aesthetic surgery and the goal is the same in all of them. The experience of the surgeon and the degree of deformation of the patient affect the result. In some techniques, an incision is made directly behind the ear, while others prefer incisions in front of the ear. While the scar is more easily concealed behind the ear, the surgical procedure can be performed more easily in operations performed from the front of the ear. Both have advantages and disadvantages. In about half of our patients who present with prominent ears, the problem is only the lack of folds, and the angulation between the ear and the scalp is normal. In these patients, the "modified kaye" method can be used. During this method, holes are made with a needle without making a large incision in the skin. The procedure is performed through these holes.
Is Prominent Ear Surgery Possible without Incision and Tennis Bandage?
Yes, it is possible. In most of my patients, I perform prominent ear surgery by shaping the auricle with the help of threads passed through a few pinholes I open behind the ear. After the surgery, I use a few bands with a tape whose skin color is not noticeable. I remove these bands on the 2nd-3rd day after surgery.
When Can I Recover?
Most patients go home in the evening on the day of surgery. After 2-4 days, the bands can be removed, they can be washed and they can return to their active social life.
