What is Prominent Ear?

Prominent ears refer to the condition where they protrude outward from the head at a steeper angle than they should. This deviation is noticeable when viewing the ears from the front or back, referred to as "prominent ear deformity." This condition is observed in approximately 5% of the population, with varying degrees and types. Although it does not cause health problems, it can lead to significant psychological distress.

Surgical procedures performed to correct prominent ear deformity, which requires surgical intervention apart from early treatment with various molds during the newborn period, are called "otoplasty."

When is Prominent Ear Surgery performed?

The development of the earlobe is completed by the age of 8-10, but by the age of 4-5, it is mostly shaped. There is no harm in performing otoplasty at any stage of life; however, this problem can cause psychological problems, especially in children, due to peer bullying during school years. Therefore, otoplasty surgeries are frequently performed in school-age children.

How is Prominent Ear Surgery performed?

Otoplasty surgeries, performed unilaterally or bilaterally, typically prefer general anesthesia for young children. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation using tranquilizers in older children and adults.

There are various techniques and approaches defined for otoplasty surgery. Some involve shaping the cartilage using sutures, while others involve facilitating shaping by weakening the cartilage. In some cases, partial removal of the cartilage may be necessary.

Shaping the earlobe with sutures is more commonly preferred, especially at early ages when the cartilage is softer. In older ages, other techniques may need to be employed. In cases where the problem arises from the excessive development of the conchal cartilage, partial cartilage removal is generally required.