Prominent Ear Aesthetics

What is a Prominent Ear?

The deformation caused by the bending of the ear forward as a result of the enlargement of the angle formed by the ear cartilages with the skull is called a prominent ear. In other words, we can say that the prominent ear is the development anomaly of the ear. The surgery, aiming to achieve the typical appearance of the ear, is called prominent ear correction aesthetics.

When is the Prominent Ear Correction Procedure Performed?

Prominent ear procedure, also known as otoplasty, is performed after ear development is completed. Since the anatomical structure of the ear is completed in children at the age of 4-6, plastic surgeons especially prefer surgery around the age of 6 years, so that children at school age do not experience psychological problems. However, where necessary, prominent ear correction procedure is also performed for adults.

How is Prominent Ear Aesthetics Procedure Performed?

The ear is reshaped through various methods. The two most common methods are as follows;

• Cutting the cartilage, the main structural component of the ear.
• Suturing the cartilage by folding, instead of cutting it.

In both methods, a small incision is performed behind the ear. Thus, cartilage access is provided. After the procedure, the incision is sutured. The surgical process is generally performed by using local anaesthesia on adults. However, general anaesthesia is preferred to prevent children from moving. In most cases adults can go home after surgery, but usually, the children are not discharged for another day. Adults may need to stay in the hospital for another day following the procedure when the procedure is complicated.

For Whom the Prominent Ear Correction Operation is Performed?

Prominent ear correction procedure is performed in cases where standard ear features are lacking. Some of these deformities can be listed as follows;

• Protruding ears
• Abnormally large ear lobes
• Ears leaning forward

Under normal circumstances, it is ideal for the outer part of the ears to form an angle of fewer than 35 degrees to the skull. When this angle is more than 35 degrees, the ear tip becomes more apparent. This causes a lack of self-confidence, especially in childhood and adolescence, as the ears look ridiculous. For this reason, it is a frequently used practice to solve this aesthetic deformation, which is defined as prominent ears.

How to Prepare for the Prominent Ear Aesthetics Procedure?

First of all, the patient should talk to a surgeon and state his/her wishes. In this process, it is essential for the patient to inform the surgeon about his/her medical history and comorbid/accompanying diseases. Notably, all the information about the risks and benefits of the procedure, costs, recovery process, and the results to be achieved should be learned before the procedure. The procedure duration varies between two to three hours. However, some procedures take much longer, depending on the complexity of the required procedure. Therefore, the patient needs to get information from his/her surgeon on this issue. Also, if the patient has private health insurance, it should be learned by contacting the insurer how much of the cost will be covered. Most of the health insurances cover this procedure only if there is a functional problem.

Procedure Summary Table

Procedure	Type of Procedure	Duration of the Procedure	Type of anaesthesia	Duration of Hospitalisation	Back to Work	Healing
Prominent Ear Surgery	Aesthetic surgery	1-2 hours	General	1 day	6-7 days	Depends on the patient

Prominent Ear Aesthetics Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of prominent ear surgery?

It is against the law in Turkey for the healthcare organisations including private practices to indicate prices online for procedures, treatments or consultations. Please contact us by calling or texting 📱+90 541 334 3484 (WhatsApp available) or ☏ +90 212 257 1515 for the average cost of the procedure or any other enquiries related to the procedure. You need to send some photos to the Patient Care Coordinator to be examined by Professor Yazar to get the exact all-inclusive price.

What is the main reason for prominent ear deformation?

Deformities in the ear cartilage are the most critical reasons causing the prominent ear deformation. In other words, the increased angle between the ear and the head and the forward tilting of the ear create this problem.

After prominent ear aesthetic surgery

You should stay at home for at least one week after the procedure. The head of the patient is bandaged before going home. The patient uses the bandage for three days. It is imperative to follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding how to use the bandage in order to avoid problems during the healing process. When the bandage is removed, this time a headband-type dressing is started to be used. This dressing is used for an average of 3 weeks. If there are sutures to be removed, one week after the procedure, the surgeon who performed the prominent ear surgery can remove the sutures. Prominent ear surgery is a permanent surgical procedure. Therefore, the patient’s ear does not return to its original shape.

What are the complications of prominent ear surgery?

Like any surgery, this surgery has also its risks. Rare complications such as infection or blood clots may occur. It is very normal to experience pain and swelling during the recovery period. Therefore, the surgeon may need to prescribe analgesics and/or antibiotics. Generally, most patients have been very satisfied with the postoperative results after the prominent ear surgery.

Is the prominent ear problem inherited?

According to the results of scientific researches, 10% of patients have a genetic prominent ear condition. However, there is no genetic rule that every person with prominent ears will have children with prominent ears. Likewise, people without prominent ears can have children with prominent ears.

Do the prominent ears get better as the person grows?

Prominent ear deformation does not improve due to growth. Its prominence increases as the cartilages become stiff and grow.

Is it possible to treat the prominent ears without surgery?

Although the prominent ears are camouflaged in adults by headbands or by attaching the ears back with various adhesives, these are not permanent solutions. Adhesives used can create allergic or carcinogenic risks. The correction of the prominent ears without any surgery is possible for new-borns. The first three days are important in making this correction. Because when the hormones begin to decrease and the ears become stiff, the success of the non-surgical prominent ear correction will decrease. The diagnosis of possible prominent ear immediately after birth is easily achievable in approximately 60% of new-borns.

Will there be any scars after the prominent ear surgery?

In prominent ear surgery, there would be small scars left. But the scar is behind the ear and in an area that will not attract attention.

Does prominent ear operation cause hearing loss?

Prominent ear operation is an aesthetic surgery performed outside the ear. It does not cause hearing loss. However, adequate postoperative care is essential to prevent postoperative complications.