Otoplasty

Protruding ears, which is the most common ear structure disorder, is a problem that can be the cause of many important psychosocial, emotional or behavioral problems, especially in children. Protruding ears is a condition in which the auricle is curved forward, contrary to the normal anatomical position. It is the most common congenital ear deformity. The most asked question about protruding ears surgery is whether the operation will damage the hearing or not. Since only the outer part of the ear is corrected in Otoplasty, there occurs no problems with hearing.

The pinna completes its development when the child is about 6 years old. The most suitable period for the proposed Otoplasty surgery is the preschool period. Because at the age when children start to go to school, the circle of friends with which a child communicates expands and this period can be very fragile and sensitive for him/her. During this period, children can be affected by situations such as being made fun of for their appearance and being given negative nicknames. For this reason, Otoplasty is recommended to be undergone in the preschool period. On the other hand, protruding ears can be corrected at any later age.

Otoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia with children and regional anesthesia with adults. It is performed through an incision made behind the auricle. Ear cartilages are reshaped with the help of stitches. The duration of the operation varies between 30 minutes – 2 hours depending on the severity of the deformity in the ear. It is not necessary to stay in the hospital after the operation. The ear remains in a bandage for several days. After the bandages are removed, a headband like the ones tennis players use is used for a week or 10 days to help the ears maintain their new form. The patient can go out 3 to 5 days after the operation in a near normal state and continue his/her daily life. In the first few days, some swelling may occur in the ear. Within 15 days, the swelling gradually decreases and the ears take their final shape in a few months.