Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Correction)

What is Prominent Ear Operation? An ear surgery is performed to correct a deformity in the ear. Most children have their surgeries at around the age of eight, but some children may have a prominent asymmetrical lobe earlier. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia, but older children and adults can also undergo the procedure under local anesthesia and may also receive intravenous sedation.

A prominent ear is an abnormally shaped ear. A normal ear structure has a bend that is about one centimeter away from the head. When it is too far away, it causes the lobe to flare out. The most common reason for this issue is loss of folds in the antihelix area of the auricle, which allows for a natural curve. This problem can be corrected with this surgery without any pain or bleeding.

The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgery center. The patient may experience mild to moderate pain. The surgery may leave a small scar, and patients may experience minor discomfort. In some cases, there is no need to wear a surgical gown. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in a surgery center. The child will remain completely awake during the procedure. The procedure is usually completed within a day.

Lop-eared correction lasts no more than an hour; the operation takes place under local anesthesia or in combination with intravenous sedation. The skin incision is carried out along the back of the auricle, and its length is from 3 to 4 cm. Further, the cartilage is dissected, and its excess is removed. With lop-earedness, a new auricle of the correct shape is formed. After fixing the cartilage, the skin wound is sutured. The operation is completed by applying sterile gauze napkins to the ear. A protective bandage is put on top. The skin incision is made in a natural fold on the posterior surface of the auricle, and after the operation the scars are not visible from the outside, i.e. there is no need for scar plasty.

Sutures are removed on the 7th day after otoplasty. It is recommended to wear the fixation bandage at night for 4 weeks. The rehabilitation period lasts 2-4 weeks. During this time, physical exertion, bending of the ear should be avoided. After the operation, a stable result is guaranteed, which excludes repeated interventions.