Ear aesthetics is most commonly performed to reduce ear size or correct the prominent condition. In Plastic Surgery, the condition in which the pinna of the ear is curved forward more than normal is called protruding ear. It is the repair process of the insufficient development or flatness of the Y-shaped fold in the auricle.
Prominent Ear Aesthetics
Prominent ears are often incorrectly evaluated as big ears among the public. However, the real reason is that some parts that should be curved are flat, and therefore the ear curves forward, making a greater angle with the head, meaning that the ear is more visible when viewed from the front. Ear aesthetics are performed to correct the prominent ear condition.
Operation Methods
Otoplasty is generally performed to bring prominent ears closer to the head, shape missing folds, or reduce large ears. This operation is usually performed from the age of 6. In this surgery, the ear folds are made more suitable with stitches, with or without cartilage removal, by entering from behind the ear and removing the cartilage tissue when necessary, and the ear is moved to a position suitable for the head base.
Anesthesia Method and Duration
Analysis. Ear aesthetics (otoplasty) is usually performed under local anesthesia. General anesthesia can also be applied in the pediatric age group and due to the patient's preference. Patients who undergo surgery under local anesthesia are discharged on the same day.
The operation takes 1-2 hours. Complicated cases may take longer. The surgery technique may vary depending on the problem in the ear. Cartilage tissue is usually accessed through an incision made on the back of the ear. Sometimes sections of cartilage tissue are removed, or the ear is shaped with permanent stitches without removing the tissue. If present, excess skin behind the ear will also be removed. In this case, the surgery is terminated by placing drains under the skin.
Healing Process
Patients can stand up and go home a few hours after the surgery. The patient's ears will be bandaged at the end of the surgery to facilitate shaping and healing. There may be pain for a few days, but this goes away easily with painkillers. After 1-3 days, the dressings and drains, if any, are removed and The head will be wrapped with a lighter dressing. After removing these bandages, a headband is recommended to be used continuously for the first 2-3 weeks and then only at night. Using this band during the day will help preserve the shape of the ear better. Stitches are usually removed within a week or self-dissolving stitches can be used. Any activity that will bend the ear should be avoided for the first 2 months. Most adults can return to work in about 10 days. Children can go to school after about seven days, but they need to be careful with activities.
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