Otoplasty: Corrective Ear Surgery for a Balanced Appearance

Prominent ear surgery, referred to as otoplasty in medicine; It is an aesthetic operation performed to harmonize the ears to the face. It aims to correct ear appearance defects that are congenital or become more prominent congenitally or developmental.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery, which aims to change the ratio, position, and shape of the ears to the face, appeals to those who are uncomfortable with the appearance of the ears. It brings the ear structure that the person is uncomfortable with to its ideal size and position. With a personalized approach, it provides an ear structure that is natural and compatible with facial contours.

With otoplasty, deformities such as disproportion in the earlobe, asymmetry problems, large and wide ear structure can be corrected. In this way, it is an operation that appeals to a wide audience. With the application of advanced technologies, the risk rates are extremely low.

What is otoplasty in this article? How it works, how long it takes, who it is suitable for, its advantages and details about the healing process.

What is Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery)?

An excessively prominent ear size is called “the prominent ear” deformity. This disorder, which can be congenital or develop later, causes discomfort for the patient. Especially if it is very prominent, people want to get rid of this appearance as soon as possible. The aesthetic procedure performed to correct this disproportion in the auricle and improve the appearance of the auricle is called otoplasty.

When the ears appear large compared to the facial features or head structure, this is due to the wide angle between the head and the ear. This causes the ears to appear more protruding.

What gives the ear a flat appearance, as if it were ironed, is the absence of the ear folds that should be present in the upper half. This appearance causes the ear to look outward and larger than it should be. Otoplasty comes into play in the solution of this problem defined as prominent ear.

With cosmetic ear surgery, the angle between the head and the ear is brought to ideal proportions. If there is a prominence caused by the folds on the upper part, a natural fold is created by stitching the ear cartilage. In this way, the ear reaches its ideal dimensions and gives a more proportional appearance to the face.

In case the earlobe is large or large, otoplasty is used to reduce the size of the earlobe. As a matter of fact, a proportional auricle is obtained thanks to this reduction process. The auricle, which is more proportional to the face, gains a more aesthetic and pleasant appearance.

How Does Otoplasty Work?

Otoplasty, which is applied with advanced modern techniques, draws attention with its results with high success rates. It produces effective solutions to prominent ear problems that occur congenitally or during development. As it is applied to children and adults, it is a saving aesthetic procedure for those who complain of this problem.

During the first examination by the specialist, the patient’s ear structure is examined in detail. General health conditions are also examined. If the person is suitable for aesthetic procedure, the reasons that cause protruding or prominent ear appearance are determined. Then, a personalized treatment plan is drawn up by the specialist.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia, is performed through an incision made behind the ear. It is also possible to perform it under local anesthesia depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s choice. This is decided by the specialist in line with the patient’s preferences and conditions.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery includes the interventions required for the ear tissue to reach the targeted result. In this way, the part of the ear that disrupts the aesthetic appearance is corrected. If necessary, excess skin is removed. Thus, it is made to look more aesthetic and proportional.After the necessary corrections are made in the auricle, the incision area is closed with sutures and the procedure is finalized. At the end of the procedure, the auricle, which stands out more than the head, is restored to its ideal position and form. In addition, the procedure can be performed externally or internally depending on the condition of the ear.

How Long Does Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery) Take?

During otoplasty, which is performed under local or general anesthesia, some suture techniques are applied to eliminate deformity. If needed, cartilage excision is performed. In this way, the auricle gains a natural and proportional appearance. The duration of the procedure varies according to the variety of these procedures.

Although the duration of cosmetic ear surgery varies according to the procedures performed, it is possible to say that it takes 1-2 hours on average. Another factor that changes the duration of the procedure is the specialist’s experience in this operation. An aesthetic procedure performed with the right planning will of course progress faster and take less time.

During otoplasty, a person may have a pinna problem in which the ear fold and angle should be treated at the same time. Performing more than one procedure to achieve the ideal ear form and position, of course, makes the specialist more demanding. Therefore, the duration may exceed 1-2 hours.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery performed with a personalized treatment plan usually gives successful results. The patient’s face and head structure is given the appropriate ear form. In this way, an aesthetic ear structure is obtained by preserving its unique features. This is a situation that increases the satisfaction of the patients.

In summary, the duration of the otoplasty procedure may vary depending on multiple factors. During the first examination, an approximate procedure time is revealed together with the treatment plan made by the specialist. Therefore, patients know how long the plastic surgery they will undergo will take.

What is the Advantage of Otoplasty?

For those who want to have an aesthetic procedure, it is extremely valuable to know the benefits and disadvantages of this procedure. Because it can be risky to undergo an operation even if it is minimal. Therefore, having information about the benefits allows for a more conscious surgical process.

The advantages of otoplasty are as follows:

• It is a safe aesthetic procedure as it is applied with advanced technologies.
• It offers a more aesthetic appearance by restoring the shape and size of the ears to ideal dead.
• It provides aesthetic as well as functional benefits by correcting negativities such as deformation after trauma.
• Since it is performed with minimal incision, no scarring occurs.
• Since it is performed with a personalized treatment plan, it is an aesthetic procedure with high satisfaction.
• It eliminates the feeling of discomfort caused by the prominent ear appearance and creates positive effects on psychology.
• It strengthens social relations by increasing the self-confidence of the person.
• It usually does not need to be repeated with long-term results.
• As it is suitable for children and adults, it is a rescue procedure for a large mass of people.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery usually has high success rates when performed by an experienced specialist in this field. Therefore, these advantages can be achieved. However, since everyone’s biological response level is different, not everyone can achieve the same advantage. Therefore, by looking at how much the person is affected by the prominent ear structure, the advantages should be considered and the surgery decision should be made accordingly.

Am I Suitable for Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery)?

Children are psychologically affected a lot while struggling with prominent ear problems. Because they cannot fully defend themselves yet, they are subjected to peer bullying and become worn out. If a child has this problem, their families also can decide about otoplasty surgery.

Like any aesthetic procedure, cosmetic ear surgery may not be suitable for some people. Therefore, the decision for surgery is taken after a detailed examination by a specialist.

The criteria that people who are suitable for otoplasty must meet are as follows:

• Those with congenital, developmental or post-traumatic prominent ear appearance.
• Adults and children who do not have a health obstacle to undergo aesthetic surgery.
• Those who have psychological problems due to prominent ear structure.
• Those who have aesthetic concerns due to the appearance of the ear and have the necessary budget to have otoplasty.

Although otoplasty can be performed at any age, it is not recommended for the elderly due to the increased risk of complications from anesthesia. In addition, if there is an emergency in children, it is generally recommended to be performed after the age of 5. Because this is the age when the auricle is mostly developed.

In addition, prominent ear surgery may not be suitable for those with cancer, hypertension, diabetes and blood problems. Because it is risky as it may increase complications and side effects.Also like other aesthetic surgeries, it can not be done during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period.

It is possible to get rid of the prominent ear problem with cosmetic ear surgery, which appeals to a wide audience of children or adults with prominent ear problems. Patients can return to their daily lives in the shortest time possible due to the fast recovery time with the application of modern techniques.

What is the Recovery Process After Otoplasty?

Auricular prominence, which negatively affects the psychological life of the person starting from an early age, can be seen in everyone, regardless of male or female. Fortunately, it is a condition that can be treated with otoplasty. However, many factors play a role in achieving the desired results. The healing process is among these factors. Therefore, it is essential to be sensitive to the issues to be considered.

The things to be considered in the recovery process after prominent ear surgery are as follows:

• Taking care to protect the ear from impacts for 2-3 weeks after prominent ear surgery.
• Wearing an ear band as recommended by the specialist.
• Lying on your back with your head up for the first week after the procedure.
• Avoiding heavy exercise and sexual activity in the first week after surgery.
• Regular use of prescribed medications.
• Avoiding contact of the ear with water until the first dressing.
• Protecting the ear against direct air currents such as blow dryers and fans.
• Avoid direct sun exposure until the incision area heals.
• Protect the ear against infections.
• Dressing as recommended.
• Avoid wearing glasses for the first two weeks.
• Taking care to drink plenty of water.
• Paying attention to a balanced and healthy diet.
• Do not neglect control examinations.
• Avoiding sauna, Turkish bath, and swimming pool for the period specified by the specialist.

After prominent ear surgery, it takes 4-6 weeks for the ear to take its targeted form. However, this period varies from person to person. In addition, how successful the specialist performs the operation is also decisive on the duration. In addition, it takes 3-12 months for the ear to take its full form and new appearance.

In summary, otoplasty is a plastic surgery developed as a solution to the congenital or acquired auricle problem. It is a fast-healing procedure with advanced technologies and minimal incision areas. It can be applied to children or adults who are uncomfortable with the appearance of their ears. This aesthetic surgery, which has high success rates with expert experience, is performed with personalized planning. Therefore, it is a correction procedure with a high satisfaction rate.