Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Correction)

The congenital prominent ear is formed by the forward development of cartilage tissue. Sometimes one-sided prominent ear is also seen. Especially in childhood and youth, being ridiculed causes serious psychological problems in some people. This aesthetic problem can be easily solved by the otoplasty (prominent ear correction).

There are two approaches to otoplasty operations.

Prominent Ear Operation

The ear cartilage is shaped into the desired shape by means of an approximately 3 cm incision in the back of the ear, and the position is fixed with permanent sutures. The final stage of surgery is the sewing the sutures back. Sutures do not need to be removed since they are made of self-melting thread. The operation under local anesthesia varies between 30 minutes and 2 hours. After the operation, the patient is discharged on the same day.

The patient will use bandages for the first three days. To protect the ear from external influences when the bandages are removed, the forehead band used by the athletes should be used. Between 3 and 5 days, the patient can easily return to his daily life routine. The patient should start to take showers on the 4th or 5th day. The swellings that may develop after surgery will heal in this period. After about 20 days, the new shape of the ear will be fully established. During the first 3 months after the operation, the ear must be protected from blows.

Prominent Ear Correction with String

This aesthetic operation performed under local anesthesia is performed without the need for surgical operation. No incisions are made on the ear skin. The ear is moved backwards with a notched string placed under the ear skin via a needle. This procedure is completed with the consent of the patient. The pulled ear is fixed on its place due to the notched string.

After the operation that lasts around 30 minutes, the patient can resume his daily life 1 day later, which is the biggest advantage of the method. Swelling and bruising are not expected. 3. At the end of the day the patient can take a bath. This method is not used if the ear cartilage structure is too far forward, in this case the operation will give better results.  It should be kept in mind that the patient should protect the ears from external blows for a while.

Prominent ear operations can be performed after the age of 6 when the ear development has been completed. Solving the aesthetic problem during preschool will have a significant benefit in the psychological development of the child. Apart from this period, it can be done in all age groups at advanced ages.

Frequently Asked Questions for Otoplasty

In which age the prominent ear operation can be performed?

• It can be performed in all age groups after the sixth age.

Surgery? Or String Method?

• If the ear is too far ahead, surgery is recommended. If the forward look of the cartilage structure is low, the string method is appropriate.

Will there be scars in surgery method?

• There will be no visible scar, since the incision will be made behind the ear. The small scars that will remain will take its color in time and disappear.

Is it a risky surgery?

• This operation does not involve any risks.

Is it a painful operation?

• The pain after surgery can be eliminated with a simple painkiller.

When can I return to my daily life?

• You can go back to life in 1 day after the string method and 3 to 5 days in surgery method. However, it should be kept in mind that the ear area must be protected from external blows.