What is Ear Aesthetics?

Ear aesthetics are surgical interventions that are usually performed to correct deformities in the outer ear structure. This aesthetic procedure aims to make the ears more symmetrical, natural and harmonious. Ear aesthetics are usually performed to correct protruding ears, large ears, congenital asymmetries or deformities in the ear cartilage. Ear aesthetics can be performed in childhood or adulthood, but it is generally recommended to be performed in childhood because the ears have completed their growth during this period and psychological effects can be minimized with early intervention. Ear aesthetics can improve a person’s quality of life and help them gain self-confidence.

What is Protruding Ear?

Protruding ears are a condition in which the ears are more prominent and bent outward than normal. This condition is usually caused by excessive ear cartilage development or inadequate ear folds. Protruding ears are a congenital condition and can affect children’s psychological development, as this condition can be aesthetically disturbing and can lead to ridicule in school-aged children. Protruding ears can usually be seen in one or both ears and can be of varying severity. This condition can cause the ears to become incompatible with the face. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, protruding ears do not affect hearing in some cases, but are often considered a problem related only to appearance.

Where is the Problem in Protruding Ears?

The problem of prominent ears is usually caused by deformities in the ear cartilage. Normally, the ear is close to the side of the head and slightly curved inwards. In prominent ears, the ear protrudes outwards more noticeably. This condition is usually caused by the ear cartilage not being curved enough or the ear developing more than normal. This disorder in the ear cartilage can occur due to genetic factors. In addition, deficiencies in the curves in the ear flap or excessive width can also trigger the problem of prominent ears. Prominent ears can create an aesthetic concern, especially for children, and can sometimes lead to social and psychological effects. Negative effects during childhood can cause lack of self-confidence in later years, so many people request aesthetic intervention to correct this problem.

What is done during surgery?

The surgical procedure performed in the treatment of prominent ears is usually called “otoplasty”. Otoplasty is a surgical intervention performed to shape the ears more aesthetically. During the surgery, deformities in the ear cartilage are corrected. The surgeon shapes the ear cartilage with a small incision, usually made behind the ear, and allows the ear to settle more inward. In this procedure, the excess part of the ear cartilage can be removed or folded to make the ear folds more prominent. Otoplasty can also adjust the shape and size of the ear. During the procedure, an aesthetic appearance is attempted to be achieved without damaging the ear structure. The surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia and the patient can be discharged on the same day. After otoplasty, the recovery process of the ears may take a few weeks, but at the end of this period, the ears become natural and symmetrical.

Who Can Undergo Ear Aesthetics?

Ear aesthetics can generally be applied to anyone with prominent ears, large ears or congenital asymmetrical ear structure. This procedure offers an effective solution for people who are aesthetically uncomfortable. In addition, ear aesthetics is also suitable for individuals who have deformities due to genetic disorders or congenital deformations in the ear structure. Ear aesthetics can be applied without any age restriction, but it is generally recommended to be performed during childhood, at the age of 6-7, when the ears begin to fully develop. This is the age when the child’s ears begin to fully form and psychological effects can be kept to a minimum. Ear aesthetics can also be a suitable solution for adults, especially for those who want to improve their quality of life and gain self-confidence. Ear aesthetics can be applied to individuals of all ages who experience aesthetic anxiety due to their ears drooping outward and who feel negative effects on their social life.

When Should Ear Aesthetics Be Performed?

Ear aesthetics are usually performed when aesthetic concerns are at the forefront, but the ideal time for this procedure is childhood, when the ears begin to fully form. In children, ear aesthetics are usually performed between the ages of 6 and 7. This age range is a period when the anatomical development of the ears is complete and when a situation that may psychologically affect the child’s self-confidence can be prevented. Early intervention can prevent the child from experiencing negative effects on their social life. Ear aesthetics can be performed for adults without any age restrictions. Adults can apply for ear aesthetics to increase their self-confidence or to get rid of a condition that has been going on for years. Ear aesthetics should generally be performed in cases where it starts to affect the person’s social life or causes discomfort in their physical appearance, in accordance with the person’s psychological and aesthetic needs. However, it is important to get a correct evaluation and consult a specialist doctor before surgical intervention.

What are the Ear Aesthetics Techniques?

Ear aesthetics can be performed with different techniques and the application is shaped according to the needs of the patient. One of the most common techniques is otoplasty. Otoplasty is a surgical intervention performed to make the ears more symmetrical and aesthetic. In this procedure, the ear cartilage is reshaped and excess tissue is removed if necessary. Otoplasty is usually preferred in cases where the ears protrude outward, are large or asymmetrical. Another technique is performed with ear flap correction. In this method, the shape and size of the ears are corrected and the ears are made more naturally compatible with the head. In addition, techniques such as shaping the soft tissue of the ear are also used to give the ears a more regular and natural appearance. During ear aesthetics, small incisions are usually made and these incisions are hidden behind the ear, making them less visible in terms of aesthetics. Ear aesthetics can also be performed with minimally invasive methods and the recovery period may be shorter. These techniques are applied according to the surgeon’s recommendations and the patient’s needs, providing more natural and aesthetic results.

What Problems Can Be Corrected with Ear Aesthetics?

Ear aesthetics is a surgical intervention used to correct deformities in the ears and offers solutions for many different problems. One of the most common correctable problems is protruding ears, which we call protruding ears, which are excessively turned outward and prominent compared to the head. Protruding ears can cause aesthetic concerns and negatively affect social life. In such cases, ear aesthetics places the ears more inward and makes them more compatible with the head. Large ears are another problem that can be corrected with ear aesthetics. Ears that are too large can bother the person and create an image that is incompatible with the face. Ear aesthetics provides an aesthetic balance by making the size of the ears proportional. Apart from this, asymmetrical ears can also be corrected with ear aesthetics. Generally, ears are not completely symmetrical with each other among people; however, very obvious asymmetries can bother the person. Ear aesthetics solves this problem by making both ears equal. Ear cartilage deformities and some congenital disorders can also be corrected with ear aesthetics. Disorders such as spoon ears or ear deformities can also be corrected with surgical intervention. Ear aesthetics is an effective method that can solve both aesthetic concerns and functional problems.

How Long Does Ear Aesthetics Take to Heal?

However, it is very important to follow the care instructions recommended by the surgeon during the healing process. Excessive pressure should not be applied to the ear area, sports should not be done, and the ears should be protected. Swelling and bruising usually completely disappear within 2 weeks. After ear aesthetics, patients may need to use special bandages or protective covers that cover their heads to protect their ears. The full healing process can take 3-6 weeks. At the end of this period, the ears will have completely healed and a natural, symmetrical appearance will be achieved. There are usually no permanent scars after ear aesthetics because the incisions made by the surgeon are hidden behind the ear and the scars are minimal.