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What is protruding ear surgery?
These are operations performed in order to flatten and bring the ears close to the head and/or to restore missing ear curvature in cases where the ears are very large or protruding from birth.
When and where should protruding ear surgery be performed?
Since ear development is largely completed by the age of four, these operations can be performed from then on. They are particularly important in improving the child's mental state before embarking on social life by being carried out before school age. The operation is performed under general anesthesia in very young children, while in adults and adolescents it is performed under local anesthesia.
How is the operation performed?
Once access has been gained to the ear cartilage, these structures are shaped by paring them down and/or removing a small section. The ear is made flatter by enhancing its curvature with permanent sutures. These procedures can be performed through incisions in the front or back of the ear. But since there may be greater complications such as bleeding or lack of sensation with incisions from the back of the ear, it is more advantageous to use the front. The incision made in the front of the ear is hard to see since it is hidden within the bowl of the ear.
What are the important points after surgery?
Following surgery the ears are wrapped in a bandage, which is removed at the end of one week. Sutures are removed after seven days. Pain after surgery is minimal. Patient can resume normal life after a few days' rest. Once the bandaging has been removed, we recommend the use of an elastic headband for at least three weeks in order to avoid impairing the new shape during the healing process.
What complications can develop in protruding ear surgery?
Potential complications include infection, visible scar tissue in the skin of the ear (hypertrophic scarring), subcutaneous hematoma (localized collection of clotted blood) and repetition of deformation. Infection and collection of clotted blood may on rare occasions require the area to be cleaned with the help of an injector and aggressive antibiotherapy.