When viewed from the front, the ears are seen more open on both sides than normal is called
prominent ear. It is possible to eliminate this problem with prominent ear
surgeries that can be performed from childhood.

Who is prominent ear surgery and from what
age?

When children are 4 years old, ear development is completed by 80 percent. Prominent
ear surgery is recommended to be performed when the early child can withstand
local anesthesia and knows himself. It is generally appropriate to be done
from the age of 9-10. However, the amount of “scoop” in the ear of the
patient is an important factor when making the decision for surgery. It is
necessary to pay attention to whether the child is harmed in social terms. There
is no harm in applying surgery at an earlier age to children who are mocked by
their friends and who are psychologically affected during school years. There
is no upper age limit for surgery. It can be applied even to elderly
patients.

How are prominent ear surgeries performed?

Local
anesthesia is generally preferred in prominent ear surgeries. However, if
the patient is young or at the patient’s choice, it is also performed under
general anesthesia. The operation takes approximately 1.5 hours.

It is an
operation performed behind the ear. There is a method known as “rope
hanging” among the people. In this method, the auricle is partially
shaped with the help of stitches, without opening the ear skin at all. However,
this is not an accurate and recommended method. With this method, if the
suture tears the cartilage, there is a risk that the ear will be restored.

The method preferred by plastic surgeons and which is a permanent solution is different. Surgically,
a 3-4 cm incision is made, leaving only a scar behind the ear. In this way,
the cartilage is shaped and a permanent solution is found with the help of
stitches.

The age of the patient has no effect on the success of the operation. Just as in all
surgeries, the recovery period takes longer in older ages. As the age
progresses, the healing tissue becomes slower.

What are the points to be considered after
prominent ear surgery?

Since the operation takes place under local anesthesia, the patient is discharged on the
same day. In order to prevent swelling and bleeding after the operation, a
bandage is applied for two days. At the end of the second day, the patient
is called for control and the tape is removed by the specialist. Afterwards,
a headband-shaped bandage is worn at night for 10 days. Healing is
completed in this way. Although the period of seeming as if there was no
surgery varies from person to person, swelling and edema completely disappear
around 10-12 days. 3 weeks are expected to swim in the pool. Bathing
can be done after the third day.