What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the name given to surgery performed to correct the appearance of the auricle. With otoplasty surgery, the excessively prominent auricle, commonly known as prominent ear, can be corrected. Additionally, the auricle and earlobe, which may be underdeveloped or deformed due to congenital factors or trauma, can be reshaped.
Prominent ears, particularly in childhood, can lead to social and psychological difficulties. As children grow and enter social environments such as daycare, preschool, and school, they may face harsh reactions and criticism due to the appearance of their ears. Being ridiculed, excluded from peer groups, and experiencing self-confidence and personality development issues can lead to communication difficulties, academic failure, and decreased self-esteem. Therefore, it is generally accepted that the best time for otoplasty surgery is before school age.
Adults may also seek otoplasty surgery to eliminate a cosmetic concern that they perceive as a disadvantage in social settings, to be able to tie their hair up comfortably, or to have short haircuts without hesitation. Otoplasty is a commonly performed aesthetic surgery that can be completed as an outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay under general or local anesthesia.
Preoperative Evaluation
Preoperative evaluations, surgical techniques, and postoperative recommendations may vary among surgeons. The best preparation before surgery involves an open discussion where all questions are thoroughly answered. Your doctor should understand your expectations and desires. Asking and learning about what can and cannot be achieved through surgery, as well as what your ear appearance will be like postoperatively, will help you set realistic expectations for the procedure.
Determining the appropriate time for otoplasty surgery in children is crucial. It is generally recommended that otoplasty not be performed before the age of five. However, if the surgery is postponed for too long, the child may grow up experiencing psychological challenges. The ideal time for otoplasty is accepted as the preschool period. In adult patients, the procedure can be performed at any age.
During the preoperative consultation, high-quality photographs should be taken to serve as a reference for guiding the procedure, providing the surgeon with a comparison opportunity, and assessing the results after surgery. If the surgery is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, a separate consultation between the patient (or their relatives) and the anesthesiologist should take place.
Surgery
There are various surgical techniques used to correct prominent ears. In children and younger patients, where cartilage is more flexible, reshaping can be achieved with sutures. Specific areas of the cartilage can be marked and folded to achieve the desired shape, thinned to weaken certain areas, or excess cartilage or soft tissue can be removed. Regardless of the technique used, an incision is made along the natural crease behind the ear. This incision is closed using appropriate sutures selected for both aesthetic outcomes and durability. At the end of the surgery, a dressing is applied to exert gentle pressure on the newly shaped auricle.
Postoperative Period
As with surgical techniques, postoperative care may also vary based on the surgeon’s experience. These variations do not necessarily indicate that one method is superior to another. Generally, the patient is seen on the first day after surgery for dressing changes or removal. Severe pain is not typically expected following the procedure; any discomfort can usually be managed with pain relievers. A headband is worn continuously for the first week, both day and night, and for a few weeks thereafter, it is recommended to be worn only at night.
Children can usually return to school within a week, while adults may return to work even sooner. Physical activities are restricted for 10-14 days, and contact sports should be avoided for at least two months. Postoperative follow-up visits are more frequent during the first few weeks and are generally repeated at the third and twelfth months. By this time, the scar behind the ear gradually fades. Since the incisions are placed behind the ear, they remain well-hidden and typically do not cause cosmetic concerns.
Op. Dr. Yunus Karadavut
Otolaryngology (ENT) Specialist
