Prominent Ear Surgery
The normal auricle is located at an angle of less than 25 degrees from the side of the skull. This distance is about 2 cm. All these values are approximate. When these figures are exceeded, the auricle of the ear becomes more prominent. In order to correct prominent ears, it is necessary to analyze the underlying anatomical cause. There may be deformity in the prominent ear for 3 reasons, these reasons may cause prominent ear separately or together.
About Prominent Ear Surgery
- The antihelix, that is, the upper part of the auricle is not sufficiently developed.
- Prominent turbinate (middle of the scoop)
- Prominent earlobe
The most common deformity of the ear is the prominent ear deformity. Prominent ear deformity can be corrected with otoplasty surgery. With otoplasty, not only the auricle but also the size of the auricle, deformity of the earlobe and other deformities can be corrected. The auricle is not only a cosmetic structure, but also plays a role in hearing. It allows sound waves to be collected in a funnel and transmitted to the middle ear.
There are no strict rules about the timing of otoplasty. Surgery is not recommended for children under 5 years of age. Most of our patients are adults. In adults, regional anesthesia (local) surgery can be performed without the need for full (general) anesthesia. Thanks to the developing surgical techniques, prominent ear can be corrected after a 45-minute procedure. You can be discharged on the same day without being hospitalized in the hospital.
Surgery can be performed with several different techniques. The most popular techniques are the suture technique and cartilage weakening technique. Both techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the cartilage weakening technique, cartilage can be shaped without permanent sutures.
In the first 40 days, methods such as swaddling tennis bands may work for shaping the ear in babies. Its effects vary from patient to patient.
After Prominent Ear Surgery
For post-operative care, a closed pressure dressing is applied for a few days. Surgery is supported with a tennis bandage until 6 weeks after the dressing is opened.
The most common complication is bleeding. It usually gets better on its own. In some cases, additional interventions are needed, such as draining the bleeding.