Ear aesthetic surgery is performed to change the position, shape, or size of the ears. This surgery is also called otoplasty.
Flattening of the ear folds or longer than normal ear angles refer patients to this surgery. Disruption of the balance between the ear and the face causes the ears to open to the sides and the ‘pronounced ear’ appearance.
Ear aesthetic surgery saves the person from this situation and gives them the desired appearance. In this way, it also prevents the loss of self-confidence and social adaptation problems caused by prominent ear problems.
At What Age Should Ear Aesthetics Be Performed?
It is recommended to perform such surgeries at a young age. 5-7 years old is considered ideal. Because in this period, children’s cartilage has a soft structure. Therefore, it is easy to shape.
Compared to ear aesthetic surgeries performed at advanced ages, the healing process is completed more quickly.
In Which Situations Is Ear Aesthetics Applied?
- Congenital absence of part of the ear (Microtia or small ear deficiency)
- Enlargement or tearing of earring holes in the earlobe
- drooping earlobe
- Prominent ear view etc.
How Is Ear Aesthetics Performed?
Depending on the type of surgery, local or general anesthesia is preferred. It is performed by making a small incision behind the ear and this incision may leave a scar. However, since it will stay behind the ear, it does not distort the image of the ear.
Ear aesthetic surgery is performed to correct various deformities. The most common of these is the prominent ear problem. When the ears look very large when viewed from the front, it is called ‘scoop ears’. It occurs because the angle between the ear and the head is wide and the ear folds are not sufficiently developed.
The aforementioned disorder can cause the person to be ridiculed in society, causing a lack of self-confidence and psychological disorders such as anxiety.
Prominent ear aesthetics is an operation to reshape the auricle known as the auricle. In the surgery performed to remove the prominent ear deformity, excess skin is removed from the back of the ear. The cartilage is reshaped. Different techniques can be used according to the preference of the physician and the needs of the patient. Cartilage excision is an example. Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours.
After Ear Aesthetics
After the operation, the ear is closed with a bandage. The bandageg should be changed at regular intervals for 5 days.
The person should stay away from heavy sports for the first 6 weeks and wear a headband every night while going to bed.
It is normal to have complaints such as redness, swelling and bruising after the surgery. These go away on their own after a few days.
After the operation, the patient should wear a bandage for at least 1 week. Those who have ear aesthetics can usually return to work in 2-7 days. However, it is recommended to rest for 7 days and avoid sudden movements during this period. It takes 6-8 weeks for full recovery.
There is likely to be mild numbness, tingling or pain around the ear. These disappear over time.
It is important to protect the ear from possible traumas and impacts during the first 3 months.
Products that may cause ear irritation should not be used and ear hygiene should be done regularly.
The Doctor checks should not be neglected either. Because in this sensitive period, there is a risk of problems such as infection, bleeding or asymmetrical appearance in the ear.
Ear Aesthetics Side Effects
The risk of complications is low. However, some of the patients may experience the following conditions:
- Hematoma (blood accumulation between cartilage and skin)
- Pain
- Infection in the cartilage and surrounding tissues
- tearing of the seams
- Cartilage necrosis (loss of vitality)
- sensitivity to cold
- Keloid (Scar formation)
Ear aesthetic surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure to change the position, shape, or size of the ears. It is recommended to perform the surgery at a young age, around 5-7 years old, as the cartilage is soft and easier to shape. The procedure is done under local or general anesthesia and involves making a small incision behind the ear. It takes 1-2 hours and recovery takes 6-8 weeks. After the surgery, the person should wear a bandage for a week, avoid heavy sports, and maintain ear hygiene. Possible side effects include hematoma, pain, infection, tearing of seams, cartilage necrosis, sensitivity to cold, and keloid scar formation. The doctor’s check-ups should not be neglected to avoid any complications.
