Greetings,

I am Serdar Bora Bayraktaroğlu, the Aesthetic Surgeon.

This Week’s “Aesthetic Surgery Procedure of the Week’’ is Otoplasty, in other words, Prominent Ear Surgery!

Through my patient, I will describe how prominent ears, which are nightmares particularly in childhood, are treated with surgery.

What is OtoPlasty?

The term “otoplasty” refers to a surgical procedure that corrects auricle or outer ear malformations. The goal is to make the auricle’s asymmetrical, outward-facing appearance more aesthetic.

Why is Ear Aesthetics Performed?

The outer ear has a significant function in hearing. This function is the transmission of sound waves towards the ear canal.

However, the stance and position of the ears play a significant role in the overall appearance of a person.

It can be annoying when the auricle’s outer opening is too evident.

The ears are at around a 21-30 degree angle to the head.

If the angle between our ears and our heads is greater than this, the auricle takes on a “looking outward – tapering” appearance, also called “jug ears” colloquially.

Particularly in childhood and early adolescence, although this situation appears cute – you can also include the humorous caricatures in it – it can cause mockery and psychological distress among children at school and in the social field.

Some studies even show that having prominent ears leads to low self-esteem, isolation, and a lack of self-confidence.

Here, I recommend Prominent Ear Aesthetics surgery as the solution to this.

The most critical subject of prominent ear surgery, in my opinion, should be when we can perform the procedure.

When should the operation be performed?

The best time to have an otoplasty is when a child is between the ages of 5 and 6, as their ear development is 90% complete.

By operating the child at these ages, we avoid unpleasant circumstances that might arise due to his/her prominent ears in his/her social environment and school.

This is the youngest age that is recommended.

However, the person may have prominent ear surgery at any age. To put it another way, we perform Prominent Ear Surgery on adults as well.

How is Otoplasty Performed?

In children, the otoplasty process is performed under general anesthesia, while in adults, it is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

In this location, improperly angled cartilages are exposed by the incision behind the ear,

and these cartilages are reshaped using stitching and incision methods.

Incisions and stitches are hidden behind the ear during this procedure. In some cases, excess cartilage is removed.  The procedure takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

No surgical scars left.

This scar hidden behind the ear will not be visible from the front anyway, and this scar, which is located in the groove, will fade over time and will go unnoticed.

Following the procedure, the ears are wrapped in a special bandage.

This bandage will be removed a day or two after your surgery.

From this moment on, the individual is required to wear a special form of tennis player bandage for the next three weeks. This bandage protects the reshaped cartilages from trauma and ensures that the procedure’s effects are permanent.

Thus, post-surgery deformation of the ear shape is avoided.

What happens after the surgery?

There may be a lack of awareness in the ear for a few days. Prominent ear surgery is a very comfortable procedure in terms of pain.

Mild bruising or edema is normal in some cases.

This situation is kept under control with the medicines I will give you, and don’t worry, it will recover quickly.

In a short time, you will be back to your social life.

Yes, as I previously said, you can progressively return to your regular life after the 3rd day.

You can take a bath after the first week.

After the first week, you can resume your daily routine of sports and intense exercise provided that you keep your ears free from trauma.

I wish you healthy days.

A Brief Overview of Otoplasty Application:

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Technique: Normalizing the ear with an incision.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Hospitalization: 1 night

Pain: None

Edema:  Mild-moderate

Sutures: None

Scars: None

Normal Life: You can return to your social life after two weeks.

Efficiency: Permanence for years