Otoplasty, also known as
"otoplasty", “ear correction”, “ear pinning”, is a Greek-derived word
formed by the combination of "oto-" (ear) and "-plasty"
(shaping), meaning ear reshaping surgery.

Prominent ear correction surgery is
performed to correct the condition where the ears are inclined outward more
than normal. Prominent ears mostly occur as a genetic trait and typically lead
individuals to seek surgical intervention due to aesthetic concerns. The
procedures involve shaping and straightening the ear cartilage to correct the
ear shape and achieve a more natural appearance.

Overview of Otoplasty

Sometimes it is easy to hide the
deformities of our ears. Ears are also an aesthetic and functional part of the
face and there may be no deformity on your ear or sometimes deformities like
large ears or prominent ears. The most common is the prominent ear deformity.
Prominent ear does not always mean a large ear. When the angle of our ear and
head is extreme, even if the size of our ear is normal, this may cause problems
in aesthetic terms. In case of prominent ear deformations, straight outer ear
development may be the case due to lack of curve development.

Ear pinning surgery can be
performed at any age. Timing is of extreme importance especially for this
surgery. There are 2 desired reasons for carrying out the procedure at early
ages:

●      
In early ages, it is
possible to shape the cartilage and preserve its form.

●      
Making a positive
contribution to psychological development of children

Surgery can be performed earliest
at the age of 5-6 when earlap is fully developed. Doctor should speak with the
family.

Adults can have this operation as
well.

It is very important to understand
the procedure in order to benefit from the procedure. Otoplasty does not heal
hearing problems. A successful otoplasty makes the ears more proportional to
the size and shape of the head. If you stand in front of a mirror and simply
pull your ears close to your head, you can get an idea of the possibilities of ear
correction. This operation does not reduce the size of your ears. Only the
angle with your head and curves will be corrected.

For a successful surgery that will
make the patient happy, doctor and patient should understand each other well
and have an extensive discussion about the operation. Mutual thrust and
realistic expectations are the key to a satisfying result. If you consider
having rhinoplasty surgery, contact us
right away to get a free consultancy service from Prof. Dr. Selcuk Inanli.

Deformities in the shape of the
ears can sometimes be easily concealed. There can be various shape
abnormalities ranging from the absence of auricles, which have aesthetic and
functional importance on the human face, to having large or protruding ears.

Among them, the most commonly
encountered condition is prominent ear deformity. Prominent ear does not
necessarily mean a large ear. If the angle between the ears and the head is
excessive when the ears are of normal size, it can result in aesthetically unpleasant
outcomes. In cases of prominent ear deformity, a flat ear formation can also
occur due to the incomplete development of ear folds.

Prominent ear surgery can be
performed at almost any age. However, timing is particularly important. Performing
the procedure at an early age has two desired outcomes:

The cartilage can be folded as
desired at a young age, making it easier to maintain the shape created.

Early treatment of prominent ears
contributes positively to the psychological development of children.

Surgery can be performed at the
earliest in the period after the ear cartilage has fully developed, around the
age of 5-6. It is important to note that, like children, adults can also
benefit from this surgery.

Understanding the procedure is a
prerequisite for benefiting from otoplasty. Otoplasty does not correct hearing,
nor does it affect hearing quality. A successful otoplasty ensures that the ear
size is proportional, and the shape is aesthetically pleasing compared to the
head.

If you stand in front of a mirror
and bring your ears closer to your head with your fingertips, you can have a
rough idea of what the result will be after the surgery. Another important note
to add is that in this operation, large ears are not reduced; the opening and
folds of your ears in relation to your head are corrected.

For a successful operation with
satisfying results, it is necessary for the doctor and the patient to
understand each other and have consultations regarding the surgery. Mutual
trust and realistic expectations lead to a healthy outcome.

How to Tell If the Ears Stick Out?

Prominent ears are characterized by
an abnormal inclination of the ear angle. Scientifically, prominent ear
deformity is referred to as "Auricular Protrusion." The ears of
individuals with this condition are usually located further away from the head,
and the ear auricle is more visibly prominent. Prominent ear condition often
occurs congenitally and is also transmitted as a genetic trait.

The Importance of Age in Prominent
Ear Correction

Age can have a significant impact
on the outcomes of prominent ear correction. Generally, the adulthood period is
not considered an ideal time for prominent ear surgery as the ear cartilage
development is fully completed. Therefore, adolescence and especially childhood
are the best time frames. While operations performed during this period yield
more successful results, it is important to know that age is not a barrier, and
prominent ear surgery can also be easily performed for adults.

The Process of Prominent Ear
Surgery

Otoplasty is not a demanding or
challenging surgery; it does not require intensive treatment or a lengthy
recovery period. However, it can be said that it consists of three stages:
examination, operation, and recovery. During the initial consultation, patients
usually conduct research on clinics and doctors, consult different healthcare
facilities, and finally have a consultation with the clinic they have decided
on. In this consultation, the patient's ear structure and the proportion of the
ear to the head skin are examined. Health status check, anesthesia tolerance,
medical history review, and preliminary information are provided.

If there are no issues or after
resolving possible problems in the pre-operative stage, the patient is prepared
for surgery. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and
takes approximately one hour. The steps are as follows:

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to the surgical area to ensure that the
patient does not feel pain throughout the process, and then the incision is
made.

Skin Incision: A small incision is made on the skin behind the ear. The incision is
planned to be in the area behind the ear to minimize the visibility of scars.

Cartilage Shaping: The incision provides access to the ear cartilage. The area is shaped
and made proportional using specialized techniques. If there are any curves on
the cartilage that negatively affect the aesthetic appearance, they are
corrected.

Suturing: After shaping the cartilage, the incision on the skin is closed with
sutures. The stitches are usually of the self-dissolving type, so there is no
need for an additional visit to remove them, which is usually another detail
that satisfies patients. However, the choice of suture method may vary
depending on the expert opinion and the patient's condition.

Recovery Period After Otoplasty

Similar to the surgery itself, the
recovery process after otoplasty is not burdensome or demanding. The recovery
after prominent ear surgery is generally quick and smooth. In the first few
days after the procedure, the ears will be bandaged. This will ensure
protection of the area, provide a more comfortable healing process, and help
reduce swelling. It is also crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. The
healing process is usually completed within 1-2 weeks, and the patient can
return to normal daily activities.

Physical and Psychological
Advantages of Prominent Ear Surgery

Individuals who undergo prominent
ear surgery have various physical advantages. The surgery not only provides
physical benefits but also offers psychological advantages.

Physical Benefits:

• Achieving a more
  balanced and symmetrical facial profile.
• Easier use of different
  hairstyles.
• Improved air
  circulation if the hair partially or completely covers the ears.
• Reduced risk of ear
  trauma or impact.

Psychological Benefits:

• Increased
  self-confidence.
• Feeling more
  comfortable in social and professional relationships.
• Greater satisfaction
  with one's appearance.
• Decreased feelings of
  embarrassment or lack of confidence.

In summary, prominent ear surgery
is an effective solution for correcting the shape of the ears and achieving a
more natural appearance. With this surgery, you can address your aesthetic
concerns and enjoy the physical and psychological advantages. If you or your
child are dealing with prominent ears, it is recommended to consult with an
expert. For detailed information about prominent ear surgery, you can contact
Prof. Dr. Selcuk Inanli Clinic, one of the leading experts in Turkey.