Prominent Ear Surgery - MD, Barış Keklik

What is Prominent Ear?

Prominent ear is defined as the condition where the ears are excessively prominent or stick out. This can be a congenital structural feature or may develop due to some genetic factors. Prominent ears are usually noticed during childhood and can lead to a lack of self-confidence due to aesthetic concerns. Children, especially during school age, may struggle socially due to the fear of being ridiculed by their peers. This situation may also be a source of discomfort in adult life, in both work and social relationships. Fortunately, the solution to the problem of prominent ears is quite simple and permanent: Prominent ear surgery!

What is Prominent Ear Surgery?

Prominent ear surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the angle of the ears in relation to the head, providing a more aesthetic appearance. This surgery is performed by reshaping the ear cartilage and is usually done under local anesthesia. The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. After the surgery, the patient undergoes a short recovery period and can return to social life in a few weeks.

Who Should Have Prominent Ear Surgery?

Prominent ear surgery can be performed on anyone who is bothered by the shape of their ears due to aesthetic concerns. Generally, children become suitable candidates for surgery when they reach 5-6 years old. The main advantage of performing surgery at this age is that the ear cartilage is still flexible, making the procedure easier and more effective. However, there is no age limit for the surgery; adults can also benefit from prominent ear surgery.

Benefits and Risks of the Surgery

Benefits

Permanent Solution: Prominent ear surgery provides a permanent change to the structure of the ears. No further surgery is required after the procedure.
Increased Self-Confidence: Individuals who have been bothered by the appearance of their ears in social life experience a significant boost in their self-confidence after surgery.
Aesthetic Appearance: After surgery, the ears are positioned at an ideal angle to the head and acquire a natural appearance.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with prominent ear surgery. However, these risks are minimized when performed by an experienced surgeon. Potential risks include:

Risk of infection
Swelling and bruising during the recovery process
In rare cases, aesthetic issues like asymmetry

How is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?

Prominent ear surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon reshapes the ear cartilage and corrects the angle of the ear in relation to the head. The general steps of the surgery are:

Preparation: Before the surgery, the patient is prepared under anesthesia.
Incisions: Small incisions are made behind the ears to begin the procedure.
Shaping the Cartilage: The ear cartilage is reshaped by the surgeon. The ear is brought closer to the head to achieve the ideal angle.
Stitches: After reshaping the cartilage, the incisions are closed with stitches.
The surgery generally lasts 1-2 hours, and the patient is discharged on the same day.

Recovery Process After Surgery

The recovery process after the surgery can vary from patient to patient, but generally, the following steps are observed:

Bandage Use: After the surgery, the ears are wrapped with a protective bandage. This helps maintain the new shape of the ears. The bandage is typically worn for 1 week after surgery.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising may occur after surgery. This is normal and usually decreases within a few days.
Pain: Mild pain may occur in the first few days. This can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
Recovery Process: Full recovery may take about 6 weeks. However, patients can return to their normal social life within a few days after surgery.

Is There an Age Limit for Prominent Ear Surgery?

There is no specific age limit for prominent ear surgery. Children are generally suitable candidates for surgery when they reach 5-6 years old because ear development is largely completed at this age. Adults can also undergo the surgery at any age. However, the cartilage in adults is more rigid, which may slightly extend the recovery period.

Prominent Ear Surgery Prices

The prices for prominent ear surgery can vary depending on the clinic and the surgeon’s experience. The cost is generally determined by the technique used, the city where the surgery is performed, and the patient’s needs. In Turkey, the price for this surgery typically ranges from 30,000 TL to 90,000 TL. However, it is best to consult with your surgeon for a detailed examination and pricing.

Does the surgery hurt?

Since local anesthesia is applied during the surgery, the patient does not feel any pain. After surgery, mild discomfort may occur, but it can be controlled with painkillers.

How long does it take to recover after surgery?

The recovery process generally takes 4-6 weeks. However, patients can usually return to their normal life a few days after the surgery.

Will there be scars after surgery?

The incisions for the surgery are made behind the ears, so no visible scars will be left. However, depending on the healing process, there may be very light scars.

Things You Should Know Before Prominent Ear Surgery

Before undergoing prominent ear surgery, there are a few important points to consider:

Choose an Experienced Surgeon: The experience of the surgeon plays a significant role in the success of the surgery. Therefore, you should carefully choose your surgeon.
Consultation: A detailed consultation should be conducted before the surgery, and expectations should be clearly discussed with the surgeon.
Pre-Surgery Preparation: You should avoid using blood thinners and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding diet and other preparations.