A prominent ear condition does not usually cause functional health problems. However, because it can significantly affect appearance, it may lead to emotional discomfort and social challenges-especially in childhood. For this reason, many families consider otoplasty (prominent ear surgery / ear pinning surgery) as a long-term cosmetic correction.
When prominent ears are noticed in children, correcting the condition before school age can be beneficial. Early intervention helps prevent potential teasing, confidence issues, and psychological distress during the school years.
At Op. Dr. Tuğba Dindar Clinic in Tekirdağ (near Istanbul), prominent ear correction is evaluated individually. Treatment planning depends on the child's age, cartilage structure, and severity of the ear shape irregularity.
Should Newborn Babies Have Prominent Ear Surgery Immediately?
Parents may notice prominent ears even in the newborn period. However, surgery is not recommended for newborns. The ideal timing should be determined after proper medical assessment.
In some cases, non-surgical ear molding or the use of elastic bands/splints may improve ear shape during early infancy, when the cartilage is still very flexible. This approach can provide successful results for selected babies.
However, if the ear shape cannot be corrected through non-surgical methods, otoplasty becomes the definitive solution. The procedure is generally straightforward, performed in a short time, and offers a permanent correction.
What Causes Prominent Ears in Babies?
Families often ask why prominent ears develop. Common causes include:
- underdevelopment of the normal ear fold (antihelix fold)
- overdevelopment of cartilage in specific areas of the ear
- cartilage trauma during infancy (less common)
- genetic factors (hereditary predisposition)
Among these, genetics is the most frequent cause. If prominent ears exist in the family, children may have a higher chance of developing the same condition.
The good news is that prominent ear deformities are not considered a severe medical problem today-because simple cosmetic and reconstructive procedures can correct them permanently. This usually eliminates the need for additional surgeries later in adulthood.
Why Is Otoplasty Recommended Before School Age?
Prominent ears should not be labeled as a disease. It is primarily an aesthetic difference. However, in social environments-especially schools-children may become targets of teasing or negative comments. Repeated teasing can lead to:
- decreased self-confidence
- social withdrawal
- reluctance to attend school
- emotional distress
For this reason, correcting the ear shape before school starts can protect children from potential psychological effects and help them grow up with greater confidence.
It's also important to note that otoplasty is not only for children. Adults can also undergo prominent ear surgery at any age and achieve excellent outcomes.
When Is the Best Age for Prominent Ear Surgery?
When families notice prominent ears, they often request immediate correction. But for surgery, the child should reach an age where the cartilage structure is more suitable and ear development is stable.
In most cases, the ideal age range is:
4 to 6 years old
After general health evaluation and necessary checks, otoplasty can be planned safely. Performing surgery earlier than this may not be suitable due to ongoing ear development. Surgery later than this age is also possible, but the pre-school period is often preferred for the social reasons mentioned above.
Recovery Time After Otoplasty in Children
Recovery can vary slightly depending on the cartilage structure and the depth of surgical correction. Some children need only minimal reshaping, while others require deeper cartilage correction.
In general:
- healing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks
- most discomfort decreases significantly within a few days
- full tissue healing and stabilization occurs over the 1-2 week period
Parents often worry that their child will experience a difficult post-op period. In reality, children usually tolerate otoplasty well. Mild pain is generally short-lived and can be managed with medication prescribed by the doctor.
Prominent ears can become a lifelong source of discomfort for some individuals. The advantage of otoplasty is that it provides permanent correction with a single procedure.
Otoplasty Procedure: How Is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
Families often want detailed information about how the operation is done. Key points include:
- surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia
- anesthesia ensures the child feels no pain or discomfort
- the ear cartilage is reshaped and repositioned to a more natural angle
- an incision is made behind the ear (where the ear meets the scalp)
- because of this location, the scar is typically well hidden
- the incision is closed with sutures
- in some cases, one day of clinical observation/rest may be recommended
After Surgery: What Should Parents Pay Attention To?
Post-operative care is essential for smooth healing and stable long-term results. Common points after surgery include:
- mild pain behind the ear may occur
- pain is temporary and can be controlled with prescribed pain relief
- protecting the ears from impact is extremely important
- in case of accidental trauma, the doctor should be informed promptly
- special headbands/bandages may need to be worn for a period of time
- these should only be removed under medical guidance and used for the duration recommended
- mild nausea, headache, or dizziness can occur, usually due to anesthesia medications-not the surgery itself
- these effects typically disappear quickly
- a short period of rest at home is recommended
- antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce infection risk
- medications should be taken regularly, and all instructions should be followed closely
Prominent Ear Correction Near Istanbul (Tekirdağ, Turkey)
Many international families search online for treatments using phrases like "otoplasty in Turkey", "pediatric otoplasty near Istanbul", or "prominent ear surgery Istanbul area." Tekirdağ is an important location for patients who want a clinic experience near Istanbul, while also benefiting from personalized care and comfortable planning.
To learn more about prominent ear correction in babies and children or to request an appointment, you can contact Op. Dr. Tuğba Dindar Clinic.
