OTOPLASTY (EAR CORRECTION SURGERY)

Protruding ears, also known as prominent ears, bat ears or otapostasis, is the condition where the ears and the connective cartilage is raised on the scalp to make them look like sticking out. The angle between the ears and the head is wider than normal. 

The condition can be the result of genetics, where the external ear is formed poorly in congenital stages. It can also be a result of trauma or accidents in life later on. Some occupational habits that involve wearing of a mask that pushes the ears out to make them protrude far from the head for long periods of time can also cause defects on the cartilage over time.

Protruding or large ears are not actually physical conditions but aesthetic ones. Protruding ears that are clearly noticeable can cause psychological and social problems that reduce the quality of life in affected people. Being the victim of teasing usually begins at school and this can cause children to feel the need to hide their ears with their hair, lack of self-confidence, anxiety, poor body image and even depression.

How the Surgery is Performed

Known in medicine as an otoplasty, this surgical procedure has one of the highest levels of patient satisfaction. This surgical intervention is an operation performed to treat protruding ears, large ears, and ears without clear folds.

The protruding ear operation is usually performed by removing excess tissue from behind the ear with small incisions in Orenda Health with prvided high quality techniques.

These incisions made in the folds behind the ear leave virtually no scarring. Our aesthetic and plastic surgery specialists perform the protruding ear operation in a way that obtains the best possible results for our patients by performing a personalized operation plan. The most commonly used method is giving a new shape to the ear fold by reducing the amount of cartilage in the ear by filing the excess away or, if necessary removing it, and using dissolvable stitches.

The surgery is done under local anesthesia for adults and lasts about an hour. General anesthesia is more preferred for children since it is more favorable to ensure that they keep still during the operation. 

Recovery After the Surgery

The surgery takes about an hour and you will be able to walk in a few hours. The ears and affected incisions will be dressed in ointment and tightly bandaged to protect them from impacts and promote faster healing. The bandages can be removed in a week and protective ointments will be applied again to the site. If self-dissolving sutures are applied, there is no need for suture removal. If regular stitches are applied, they will be removed in a week. Patients can go back to daily life after 2-3 days if they are comfortable. A headband that protects the ears should be worn for at least 6-8 weeks after removing the bandages, and recommended ointments and medication should be used. Incision marks will not be visible since the cuts are done on the natural creases behind the ear. 

OTOPLASTY (EAR CORRECTION SURGERY)

OTOPLASTY (EAR CORRECTION SURGERY)

  • Average length of stay5 Days
  • Length of stay in hospital1 Day
  • Operation duration2-5 Hours
  • AnesthesiaGeneral Anesthesia
  • Recovery Duration5-7 Days
Book Your Free Consultation

FAQ

What to expect after the Surgery?

After ear surgery a soft padded bandage will be placed around your head to protect your ears and to hold them in place. This is usually removed a week after the procedure and it is advisable to wear a stretchy headband or stocking cap for a week after surgery, particularly at night. Generally, it is not a painful operation but the ear does feel numb from the surgery for some time. Most people would be able to return to work or school within one week. Some bruising and swelling is expected but it tends to go away reasonably quickly in the first week or two. Ear surgery can offer a real emotional boost in addition to its cosmetic benefits. It is almost impossible to get perfectly identical ears on both sides and like most facial cosmetic surgery; the aim is improvement and not perfection.

What is the best age to have an ear operation?

Surgery to pin back protruding ears may be done as early as age 5 or 6. By this time, the ears have achieved much of their adult size, are almost completely formed and the cartilage is soft and easily moulded, making it possible to get good results. Some people do feel that it may be of emotional benefit to have the Otoplasty surgery done before starting school. This would hopefully reduce name-calling and teasing at school.
 

What to do after the surgery?

Protective headband should be worn for at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery, especially while lying down. Sleeping on the side is not recommended since it can increase the pain. Some swelling and bruising can occur after the surgery but it will go down in the following week. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial ointments and dressings should be applied as necessary to the incision area as the doctors recommended. Painkillers will be recommended for pain management. Any harsh impact on the ears should be avoided. If the patient is a child, they need to be informed well and reminded not to get into physical activities that can bend the ears for at least a month. 

 

What to do before the surgery?

If you or your child is using any routine medications, the doctor should know about them. If there are any allergies to local or general anesthetic medicine, it should be discussed with the doctors. If the operation will be performed under general anesthesia, it is advisable to stop using blood-thinning medication such as aspirin before the surgery if possible. Smoking can also make healing harder, so it should be gotten rid of at least 2 weeks before the surgery. The doctors will inform you about  what needs to be done before the surgery in detail. 

 

Popular Treatments