Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is the surgical reshaping of the pinna or outer ear. The goal of the operation is to change the shape and size of the ears and improve the appearance. This cosmetic operation is generally performed to achieve symmetry between the two ears and to achieve balance and harmony between the ear and the face. With prominent ear surgery, the ears are not displaced, and this operation does not affect hearing.
Although the diagnosis of prominent ear is subjective, it is an inherited problem that can be seen in 1 to 2% of the population. Sometimes it can also be caused by cartilage deficiency or malformation when the fetus is in the womb.
This can occur in two ears as well as in one ear.
Ears that protrude more than 2 cm from the side of the head are considered to be prominent ear. Prominent ear surgerycan be performed at any age after children complete their ear development (usually after 5 years of age). This operation is not recommended in very young children, as the ear cartilage is too soft to retain sutures. In some cases, surgery may be performed at the age of 3 years.
Psychological problems caused by protruding or prominent ears need to be taken seriously. This aesthetic problem can lead to decreased quality of life, decreased self-esteem, asocial behaviors, and poor school performance. Children who try to cope with the prominent ear problem may be subjected to mockery or bullying, especially by their peers. This would be very disturbing for a child; feeling bad in this short term may affect the child’s self-esteem and behaviors in the future. Even adults experiencing prominent ear problems may be uncomfortable with their appearance, embarrassed and concerned about hiding their ears.
If you think that your ears are prominent and/or they are larger compared to your head or you could not get the result you expected from your previous ear operation, you may considerprominent ear surgery (otoplasty). If you want to have this operation performed for your child, you should discuss this with him/her. It is important that the desire to change the appearance of the ears comes from the child. The child should be explained what the operation involves in an appropriate language, and it is recommended that the child be old enough to understand this.
First you need to undergo a physical examination forprominent ear operation . Your ears are examined and measurements are performed, the size and shape are determined. For the harmony and symmetry with the face, the proportions are examined and photos of your ears are taken. After the procedure, consultations are performed for your expectations.
In prominent Ear Surgery, an incision is made behind the ear to shape the ear cartilage. If necessary, small cartilage is removed and the ears are reshaped or positioned close to the head. Such operations can also be performed under local anesthesia. However, general anesthesia is used for children.
Early treatment of prominent ear problems is very important for children. Performing a cosmetic operation without being exposed to the bullying of their peers and not being too much aware of this problem will prevent the child from having a future trauma. Considering the problems the child may experience in the future, it is recommended to perform prominent ear surgery before starting school and especially before adolescence. In adolescence when external appearance is very important, a cosmetic problem can lead to social and psychological problems.
Prominent ear surgery produces successful and reliable results. The satisfaction rate is quite high. According to the research, people who had undergone this surgery feel that they have a better quality of life. Especially children will be able to adapt to social life more easily after this operation. It has been observed that they are more sociable and they enjoyed school and making friends by regaining their self-confidence. This self-confidence will return to you with so many positive effects, from success in lessons to enjoying life. Adolescent children, who feel loved and admired, will also hold on to life more tightly without loss of confidence. Instead of dealing with bullying during childhood, they can enjoy friendship and sharing.
