Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery)

The most common congenital or acquired deformity of the auricle is when the ears protrude more than normal, commonly referred to as prominent ears.

This condition, which often causes psychological distress and a loss of self-confidence, especially in children and women, can be permanently corrected with otoplasty.

Prominent ear surgery, in simple terms, involves reshaping the cartilage structure that forms the auricle to achieve the correct shape and ensure it remains so.

Since ear development is typically completed by the age of 5–6, there is no need to wait until the age of 18 for otoplasty, unlike other cosmetic procedures. The procedure can be performed starting at age 6, with a success rate of up to 90%.

How Is Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Performed?

Otoplasty can be performed using various techniques, such as thread suspension or making a small, inconspicuous incision behind the ear. The most suitable technique is determined by the surgeon based on the patient’s condition.

In children under the age of 10–12, prominent ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia, while local anesthesia is typically used for older patients.

In the incision technique, the cartilage is reshaped through a small incision behind the ear. Permanent, durable sutures are placed to maintain the new shape. The procedure takes approximately one hour for both ears. After the operation, the ears are bandaged. Patients who undergo local anesthesia can leave the hospital after one hour, while those who receive general anesthesia are discharged about four hours later on the same day. The only trace left after the procedure is the incision scar.

In the thread suspension technique, no incision is made. This method is particularly preferred by patients who wish to avoid general anesthesia and incisions. However, depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may still recommend general anesthesia. Medical threads are inserted into the upper cartilage of the ear using a needle and pulled to create the desired shape. The small punctures made by the needle are covered with adhesive bands, and a headband is placed on the patient’s head.  The procedure is completed in approximately 15 minutes.

BEFORE OTOPLASTY

Stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications one week before the procedure.

Inform your doctor during the consultation if you are taking any medications regularly.

Avoid smoking for a period before and after the operation.

On the day of the procedure, refrain from wearing makeup, nail polish, or hair cosmetics such as gel, and do not wear any accessories.

Menstruation is not a contraindication for the procedure.

AFTER OTOPLASTY

For surgeries involving an incision: If no complications arise, the patient can return home on the day of the procedure but should visit their doctor the next day for dressing changes. Some discomfort in the ears due to tension may occur but can be easily managed with painkillers. The pressure bandages applied to both ears are removed by the doctor after five days and replaced with a tennis headband. The headband should not be too tight or too loose. Mild redness and swelling in the ears may occur for 3–5 days after the operation. Edema usually resolves within two weeks, and the ears take on their final shape within 1–2 months.  Since the incision is made behind the ear, no visible scars remain.

For the thread suspension technique: No dressing or bandaging is required after the procedure, and no scars are left behind. Patients may experience mild pain for 1–2 days due to tension, which can be alleviated with painkillers.  Regardless of the thread’s strength, it may loosen due to the soft tissue it is attached to. In such cases, revision can be easily performed.

Women tend to return to normal life more quickly as they can use the headband as an accessory. Men, however, may face some challenges in this regard, which could slightly delay their return to daily life. On average, recovery takes 3–5 days.

If otoplasty is performed during the summer, it is recommended to use sunscreen.