The most common ear deformity encountered is known as “prominent ear.” Prominent ear is caused by the weakness of the ear cartilage. It is not a sign of any illness or medical condition. Due to this weakness, the natural folds of the ear fail to form properly, causing the outer ear to bend forward and outward more than normal. In this condition, called prominent ear, the ears protrude at a wider angle from the bone behind the ear. The source of this deformity is usually hereditary.
Contents
- What Is Ear Aesthetics?
- Why Is Ear Aesthetic Surgery Performed?
- When Should Ear Aesthetic Surgery Be Performed?
- How Is Prominent Ear Treated?
- Am I a Suitable Candidate for Ear Aesthetic Surgery?
- Who Can Have Prominent Ear Aesthetic Surgery?
- Post-Operative Care After Ear Aesthetic Surgery
- Advantages of Prominent Ear Aesthetic Surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions About Prominent Ear Aesthetics
What Is Ear Aesthetics?
The ear is an important structure that significantly affects a person’s overall appearance and influences how they are perceived by others. Therefore, ear deformities can cause considerable aesthetic discomfort. Ears may be larger or smaller than normal, lack defined folds, or have deformities in the earlobe or outer cartilage. The most common deformity is the prominent ear condition, and the degree of aesthetic irregularity can vary from person to person.
Why Is Ear Aesthetic Surgery Performed?
Prominent ear surgery is a surgical procedure performed to correct the aesthetic appearance of the ears. Prominent ear deformity occurs when weak ear cartilage causes the outer ear to bend forward and outward more than normal.
To prevent children from being psychologically affected, it is important to perform the surgery before they start school. Prominent ear surgery is also widely preferred by men. The main reason for this is that while women can often conceal their ears with their hair, men have fewer options to hide them.
When Should Ear Aesthetic Surgery Be Performed?
Prominent ear correction surgery can be performed at any age starting from 6 years old. This is because ear development is usually completed between the ages of 4 and 5. For children of school age—especially those who may experience teasing or social discomfort—the ideal time for treatment is before starting school. Prominent ear aesthetics can also be performed safely and effectively in adults.
How Is Prominent Ear Treated?
Ear aesthetic surgery does not carry major risks. On the contrary, it is a relatively simple procedure. Depending on the patient’s age, the operation can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon performs the procedure either from the front or the back of the ear. Since the incisions are typically placed along the natural folds behind the ear, visible scarring is minimal. The operation lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours, and hospitalization is not required — the patient can return home the same day. After surgery, the patient should wear an ear band for 1–2 weeks. The recovery process is generally short and comfortable. Prominent ear correction can also be performed in infants by applying an elastic bandage over the ears under the supervision of a doctor for a few months.
In adult patients, prominent ear correction surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, while in children, it is usually done under general anesthesia. The average duration of the procedure is around one hour.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Ear Aesthetic Surgery?
Whether or not ear aesthetic surgery is necessary is determined after a detailed examination and evaluation by the doctor. In cases of prominent ear deformity, the ears appear excessively large when viewed from the front.
The causes of prominent ear problems are generally classified into two main categories:
- The angle between the head and the ear being wider than normal
- The folds of the ear not being sufficiently developed
Who Can Have Prominent Ear Aesthetic Surgery?
The ears complete their development around the ages of 4–5. Therefore, ear aesthetic surgery can be performed starting from the age of 6. This age is particularly recommended for the procedure, as it allows the child to be treated before starting school and prevents potential psychological distress. Being teased about ear shape during childhood can negatively impact school performance and social life. Psychological problems experienced at this stage may become long-term and lead to more serious issues later in life. For this reason, the earlier the treatment is performed, the better it is for the child.
A prominent ear problem that is not corrected in childhood can continue to affect a person during adulthood. Prominent ear aesthetic surgery can be performed on both children and adults, and there are no disadvantages to having the surgery as an adult.
Post-Operative Care After Ear Aesthetic Surgery
The recovery process after surgery is generally quick, comfortable, and involves minimal pain. Any mild discomfort that occurs can be easily managed with simple painkillers. Since the incisions are placed along the natural folds of the ear, no visible scars remain, and dissolvable stitches are used during the procedure. The patient is discharged on the same day and can return to daily life shortly after. Being able to resume routine activities within a couple of days is a significant advantage, especially for working individuals.
After the surgery, the patient can safely go home. The ears are protected with bandages for the first 1–2 days. We recommend wearing a tennis headband or a beanie for about a week. After that, the patient can leave the ears uncovered and return to school or work. The surgical scar remains hidden behind the natural folds of the ear, making it invisible.
Advantages of Prominent Ear Aesthetic Surgery
Although prominent ear surgery is a relatively simple procedure, it brings significant positive changes to a person’s life. After the operation, the individual’s appearance improves noticeably, and patients often report a substantial boost in psychological well-being.
As a result of prominent ear correction, self-confidence increases, and both social life and academic or professional relationships are positively affected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prominent Ear Aesthetics
Is there a non-surgical treatment for prominent ears?
A completely non-surgical solution is not possible. However, in some cases, the ear can be temporarily repositioned using an external mechanism. There are also minimally invasive methods using special threads, but these are usually short-term and not as long-lasting as surgical results.
What causes prominent ear problems?
The main cause is a developmental irregularity that affects the relationship between the ear and the head, or the angles within the ear structure itself. This condition can negatively impact a child’s psychological well-being and hinder social interaction.
How long does it take to see results after ear surgery?
The results are visible immediately after the surgery. A bandage should be applied as recommended by the doctor. If a stitch comes out through a small pimple or if any bleeding occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Will I be satisfied with the results of prominent ear surgery?
The results are almost always satisfying. As the position of the ears changes, the overall facial expression also improves positively.
What types of surgeries are performed?
After reshaping the cartilage, various suturing techniques are used to achieve the desired ear form.
Are these surgeries difficult?
These surgeries are relatively easy for experienced surgeons, and the results are almost always as expected.
