Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery)
What is Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery)?
The ear, one of our key sensory organs, plays a vital role in hearing and facilitating communication with the environment. It is anatomically divided into three sections: the inner ear, middle ear, and outer ear. Of these, only the outer ear (pinna or auricle) is visible, while the other parts are located inside the skull.
The ‘pinna’ is a uniquely structured part of the ear, shaped by folds and contours. It collects sounds from the environment, refines them acoustically, and directs them into the ear canal. Beyond its auditory functions, the pinna also protects the middle and inner ear from sudden loud noises, dust, and debris.
In addition to its functional importance, the pinna contributes significantly to facial aesthetics. This dual role of the outer ear highlights its importance, making procedures like otoplasty essential for individuals seeking functional or cosmetic improvements.
Understanding Prominent Ear and Its Impact on Facial Symmetry
The auricles, which are positioned on either side of the head, have a direct effect on the appearance of the face. When they are excessively large, small, or curved, they disrupt the symmetry of the face and create an unbalanced appearance.
Under normal conditions, the distance between the outer edge of the earlobe and the head is a maximum of 2 cm, and the angle between the auricle and the head is a maximum of 20° for women and 25° for men. The size of the auricle is generally normal and proportional to the size of the skull. However, research shows that in 1 out of every 20 people, these distance and angle values are higher than normal.
If the angle between the auricle and the head area exceeds 20°/25°, the problem of the ear appearing disproportionately large with the face due to the ear coming forward and/or sideways is called **Prominent Ear**. This is the most common ear-related deformity. The term “prominent” is also referred to in various cultures as “sail,” “basket,” “cup,” or “bat.” It can occur in one ear or both.
1 Session
10 Days
Lifetime
2 Hours
7 Days Later
General-Local Anesthesia
20 Days
What are the Causes of Prominent Ear?
Prominent ear is a genetically transmitted problem that is present from birth. 85% of ear development is completed by the age of three and reaches the required size by the age of 15. In other words, the size of the ears in children up to the age of three is already large compared to the skull. For this reason, there are also cases that are present at birth but are not detected and become apparent later.
The anatomical disorder that causes the prominent ear problem and is transmitted by genes; The cartilage structure in the ear has loose tissues, the angle between the bone behind the ear and the auricle is more than 200 / 250, or the upper folds of the auricle are not fully formed.
How is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
Today, as a result of advances in the field of medicine in parallel with technological developments, the prominent ear problem can be solved with very simple interventions. In order to solve the prominent ear problem and obtain a normal appearance, the process of adjusting the correct angle of the ear and / or cartilage shaping with surgical intervention is called Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty).
In the first 3 days in newborn babies, since the estrogen level passing from the mother is very high, the cartilage structure is more flexible and malleable. If the prominent ear is noticed during this period, the ear angle can be adjusted with specially produced tapes and wires and the problem can be solved permanently in an average of one month. In children who have passed the non-surgical intervention period, if detected; intervention between the ages of 4-6, when ear development is largely completed and the pre-school period, helps the child to get rid of the prominent ear without causing a psychological problem, without being exposed to negative pressures by the environment, and to grow up as a healthy and confident individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery is usually done through an incision in the skin behind the ear. The ear cartilage is shaped, reduced if necessary, and the ear is fixed in a position closer to the head.
Yes, otoplasty usually offers a permanent solution. The new position of the ears is usually fixed for the long term.
