Prominent Ear Deformity

What is Prominent Ear?

The term prominent ear deformity describes the condition in which the ears extend outward from the head at a steeper angle than normal and appear prominently, especially when viewed from the back or in profile. This condition is characterized by prominent protrusion of the ears and is called the "pronounced ear deformity". This condition can be caused by genetic factors and abnormalities in the cartilage structure. Prominent ear deformity is usually congenital and is noticed in childhood.

Why is Prominent Ear Surgery Necessary?

Prominent ear usually does not cause any health problems, but it can cause significant problems due to its psychological effects. Bullying can be associated with situations such as mockery, low self-esteem, and social anxiety. Therefore, individuals with prominent ear deformities may experience psychological distress and lack of self-confidence.

When is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed for Whom?

The ear structure is completed approximately 85% between the ages of 5-6. In case of surgery at these ages, a more natural ear structure is provided in the future. However, prominent ear surgeries can be easily performed in adulthood. Although the school age period is generally preferred, there is no harm in performing this surgery in any period of life.

Prominent ear surgery is a surgical intervention to correct deformity in the ears. Some factors are taken into consideration for whom and when the surgery will be performed:

- Age: Prominent ear surgery is generally preferred in childhood. This is because children's ears are still developing and the psychological benefits are greater after surgery when they are at school age, when their social interactions are intense. However, the surgery can be performed at any age. Teens and adults can also have surgery to treat prominent ear deformity.

- Psychological Effects: Prominent ear deformity may cause low self-confidence, social anxiety and psychological distress in individuals. This may be a motivation for surgery. If prominent ear deformity negatively affects the individual's quality of life and psychological well-being, surgery may be considered.

- Cartilage Development: The development of cartilage tissue is important for the correction of prominent ear deformity. Cartilage grows rapidly from birth and is almost fully developed around 5-6 years of age. Therefore, performing the surgery in early childhood can increase the chances of achieving better results. However, even if the development of cartilage tissue is complete, surgery can still be successful.

The timing and appropriateness of surgery is determined by the individual's condition and the surgeon's assessment. Individuals with prominent ear deformities should consult with an ear surgeon to evaluate their condition and get detailed information about the surgical option.

Is There a Non-Surgical Treatment Option for Prominent Ear?

It is possible to shape the auricle with bandages or molds in the first six weeks after birth. Therefore, the taping method is recommended when visual problems such as prominent ear or folding of the auricle are detected at birth. This method, which is applied in the early period, has a very high chance of success. However, after six weeks, the success rate of this method decreases significantly. Therefore, it is important to apply taping as early as possible to correct ear deformities.

How is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?

While general anesthesia is generally preferred in young children for unilateral or bilateral otoplasty operations, surgery can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation (using sedative drugs) in older children and adults.

It is a preferred method to shape the auricle with stitches, especially at early ages when the cartilages are softer. However, in older ages, other techniques may be needed due to the hardening of the cartilage tissue.

What is it like after prominent ear surgery?

Serious pain complaints are rare after surgery and simple painkillers are usually sufficient when necessary. The patient can be discharged on the day of surgery. If there are sutures used during the surgery, they are usually removed at the first week control. It is recommended that patients use a bandage or headband to keep their ears in the proper position during the recovery period, continuously for the first two weeks and then for a month during sleep.

Is There a Risk of Prominent Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty surgery is generally in the low-risk surgery group. The most common problems in the short term after surgery are blood accumulation in the surgical site (hematoma formation) and infection. Both problems can be resolved with appropriate treatments and can be cured without additional problems.