What is Otoplasty?

The prominent ear can cause problems such as social discomfort, abnormal behavior, and anxiety in many people today. Unfortunately, it is a matter of ridicule and anger, especially among children and young people. Today, with the development of technology and the discovery of new techniques and methods in the field of medicine, the prominent ear problem can be easily corrected.

In a normal ear, the angle between the ear and the skull should be between 25 degrees and 35 degrees. While performing prominent ear aesthetics, these aesthetic proportions are considered, and shaping is done again. In otoplasty application, anatomical landmarks are reconstructed, the shape of the ear cartilage and its angle with the head are adjusted again. Thus, the prominent ear problem is solved.

What causes Prominent Ear Appearance?

Prominent ear deformity occurs for two different reasons. The first of these is caused by the incomplete formation of the fold called "antihelix" in the auricle. Another reason is the overdevelopment of the "conchal cartilage", which forms the part of the "cavum concha" in the inner part of the auricle. In both cases, it can cause the prominent ears appearance.

If a successful result is desired in prominent ear surgery, it is crucial to make a detailed evaluation before the operation and to understand the problem depending on the assessment. If the cause of prominent ear appearance is known, existing problems can be easily corrected with surgical procedures. Of course, it is also essential that the method to be applied here is implemented correctly.

How is Otoplasty performed?

· Otoplasty is an operation performed under general anesthesia. The average duration of the operation shows differences between 1-2 hours.

· The shape desired to be given to the ear is made with an incision applied between the ear and some suture techniques. Depending on the patient's condition, cartilage excision is also performed if necessary. In this way, a natural aesthetic ear is tried to be obtained.

· The incision between the ears is closed with sutures. There may be a scar in this area, but there will be an inconspicuous scar since it will be behind the ear.

· As long as sterile work is performed during and after the surgery, there is no infection. If the sutures are used in the surgery, there will be no scooping, opening, or deformity cases in the ear.

· After the surgery, dressings should be done every other day, and the controls last for 10 days in total. On the tenth day, the patient's sutures are removed and it is recommended to use an elastic head bandage while sleeping. Apart from this, it is possible to return to social life.

Who can have the Otoplasty?

Prominent ear surgery can be performed for anyone who is not satisfied with the shape of their ears. Ear size and prominent ear appearance are pathological problems that bother patients. In these situations, natural results that will please the patient can be obtained with various otoplasty techniques.

An average of 5 years of age in preschool children is the ideal time for otoplasty. This is because children in the school period may suffer from peer bullying if they have a prominent ear problem.

What are the risks of Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is in the low-risk surgery group. The most common problems that can be seen after the surgery are hematoma formation (blood collection) and infection in the operation area. However, appropriate treatments for these two problems that may arise can be easily solved.

The problems that can be seen after the surgery in the medium and long term are the formation of asymmetry in the ears and the reoccurrence of the prominent ear appearance over time. However, if a detailed evaluation is made before the surgery and appropriate surgical techniques are applied, these problems never occur. In case of experiencing the same issue, surgical intervention is usually required as a solution.