What are prominent ears?
Prominent ears are a congenital difference in shape in which the outer ear stands further away from the head than usual. They occur in about 5 per cent of the population and can run in families. They do not affect the function of the ear or hearing; the concern is the appearance.
The main structural causes of prominent ears are:
- An increased angle between the outer ear and the head
- An absent or underdeveloped main fold in the upper part of the ear (antihelix)
- A deep and large bowl around the ear canal opening (concha)
These causes can occur alone or together; the operation is planned according to which of them is present.
Why is it operated on?
Prominent ears can lead to teasing, loss of self-confidence and difficulties settling in at school, especially in school-age children. Children who are teased about their ears at this age may lose interest in school and suffer a loss of self-esteem. For this reason, in children of a suitable age the operation can be planned before they start school. In adults it can be done at any age.
At what age should it be done?
The ear completes most of its growth by around the age of 4–5. Prominent ear surgery can therefore be performed from the age of 5–6, ideally before the child starts school; 6 years is considered a suitable age for this operation. There is no upper age limit.
Consultation and planning
At the consultation, the angle of the outer ear, its folds, the depth of the concha and the differences between the two ears are assessed, and photographs are taken. Whether the child is ready for surgery and the family’s expectations are discussed. No single technique suits every ear; the technique is chosen according to the shape of the ear.
How is the operation (otoplasty) performed?
In children, prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is usually carried out under general anaesthesia; in adults it can also be done under local anaesthesia with sedation. Depending on the ear, the operation takes 1–2 hours and patients go home the same day.
- An incision is made on the back of the ear, on the side facing the head.
- The ear cartilage is reshaped with permanent stitches: the missing fold is created (for example with the Mustardé technique), the concha is brought closer to the head if necessary (conchomastoid suture), or excess cartilage is thinned.
- The incision is closed with stitches and a bandage that holds the new shape is applied over the ears.
Because the incision lies behind the ear, it is usually not visible from the outside. The aim is a natural ear shape that does not draw attention to the operation.
Recovery
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First week | The ear bandage is kept clean and dry; the ears are not touched and you sleep on your back. Clothes that button at the front, rather than ones pulled over the head, are preferable. |
| Around week 1 | The bandage is removed at the first check-up. Most people return to school or work around this time. |
| Weeks 2–3 | The swelling goes down and the new shape becomes clearer. |
| Following weeks | The ears are protected with a headband worn at night; activities with a risk of contact, such as playground breaks, sport and PE lessons, are avoided for a while. One or two further check-ups take place. |
| Week 8 | Healing is largely complete. |
Not smoking before and after the operation supports healing.
What are the risks?
Prominent ear surgery is a commonly performed operation; even so, like any operation it carries risks, and these are discussed before surgery.
- Bleeding and a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma)
- Infection
- Slight asymmetry between the two ears
- Partial return of the ear towards its former position if stitches loosen; occasionally a correction may be needed
- A thick scar at the incision site
Contact your doctor if you have a fever, increasing pain or swelling at the operation site, heavy bleeding or if the bandage slips.
In most patients the correction is long-lasting, particularly when the instructions are followed during the healing period.
How does the process work with Prof. Dr. Öner Çelik?
- Consultation: the ears are assessed and photographs are taken at the clinic in Suadiye; the child’s age and readiness are discussed.
- Planning: the technique suited to the structure of the ear, the risks and the recovery timetable are discussed together with the family.
- Surgery: the operation is performed at Maltepe University Hospital; patients go home the same day.
- Check-ups: the bandage and healing are followed up at the clinic in Suadiye.
You will find the details on the your treatment in Istanbul page.
Frequently asked
At what age can prominent ear surgery be done?
It can be done from the age of 5–6, when the ear has largely finished growing, preferably before starting school. The operation takes 1–2 hours under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, and the child goes home the same day.
More detail: Otoplasty (prominent ear surgery).
Does prominent ear surgery leave a scar?
Because the incision is on the back of the ear, the scar is usually not visible from the outside; rarely it may thicken.
During the operation the ear cartilage is reshaped with stitches. A head bandage is applied afterwards; the first check-up is about 1 week later.
More detail: Otoplasty (prominent ear surgery).
When can a child return to school after prominent ear surgery?
Most children return to school after about a week. For a while afterwards, activities in which the ear could be knocked, such as playground games, sport and physical education, should be avoided.
Is the result of prominent ear surgery permanent?
In most patients the result is permanent. The cartilage is shaped with permanent stitches; following the bandage and protection advice during healing helps preserve the result. Rarely, the ear may partly return to its former position and a correction may be needed.
References
- Schneider AL et al. Cosmetic Otoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am, 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Every medical procedure requires an individual assessment and may carry risks. Results vary from person to person.
