What Is Prominent Ear?
Prominent ear is a problem caused by the insufficient development of the Y-shaped cartilage fold in the prominent protruding part of the ear. Since the cartilage tissue cannot develop sufficiently, the angle between the skull and the skull widens and the ear protrusion begins to bend forward. As a result, the ears appear open at a wider angle. The angle between the ear and the head is normally an angle of 30 degrees. The fact that larger angles appear when compared to these given values indicates that there is a prominent ear problem.
How Does Prominent Ear Deformity Occur?
It develops mostly due to genetic factors, but traumas during and after birth can also cause prominent ear deformity.
What Is Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)?
Otoplasty is an ear shaping operation applied to remove prominent ear appearance, large ear appearance and insufficient folds in the auricle.
The first cause of the deformity is the large angle of space between the ear and the head. This causes the ear to appear wider. In the treatment of this prominent ear problem, effective sutures are placed at the junction point and the ear protrusion is brought closer to the head area to reduce the excessive angle between the ear and the head. In this way, the angle between is narrowed.
The second is that the folds that should be on the ear are not formed. In this problem, it is seen that the ear is flat as if it has been ironed. The cartilage structure is bent thanks to effective and strong sutures on the part of the ear protrusion that is desired to be curved. As a result of this process, the flat-looking ear image is eliminated.
When Is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
Prominent ear problem is an important problem that needs to be intervened without wasting time, especially since it can leave negative traces in childhood. When an individual’s ear development reaches the age of 6, it is approximately 90% complete. For this reason, surgery is possible for prominent ear treatment at an early age, which is called the pre-school period. Although the childhood period is considered suitable for prominent ear surgery, surgery can be performed for people of any age group who have experienced this period and are uncomfortable with their appearance.
How is Otoplasty Surgery Performed?
While the operation is performed under local or general anesthesia in adults, it is performed under general anesthesia in children. The incision is made behind the ear fold. The incision is not visible from the front, so the stitches remain behind the ear. There are many different surgical techniques to correct prominent ear. In children or young patients, shaping can be done with sutures, as the cartilage flexibility is high. To give the desired shape to the cartilage, certain areas can be marked and folded, thinned and weakened; If there is excess cartilage or soft tissue, it can be removed. At the end of the surgery, a dressing is applied to apply a slight pressure on the newly formed auricle.
What Is The Process After Otoplasty Surgery?
On the first day after the operation, the patient is seen, and the dressing is changed or removed. There is usually no serious pain after surgery; Mild pain, which can be controlled with painkillers, can be expected. Headband is applied day and night for 1 week; For the next few weeks, it is desirable to wear the headband only at night. While children can start school after 1 week, adults can return to work earlier. Physical activity is restricted for 10 to 14 days and contact sports are restricted for at least 2 months. Follow-ups, which are planned more frequently in the first weeks after surgery, are usually repeated in the 3rd and 12th months.