Many people in Turkey and worldwide feel concerned about prominent ears, a condition where the ears appear to project outward more than usual. While it is not a medical disease, this ear shape can affect how a person feels about their appearance and may lead to self-confidence concerns, especially in social settings.
For individuals who experience emotional discomfort due to ear prominence, otoplasty (prominent ear surgery)-also known as ear pinning surgery-may be considered to improve ear shape and position. Importantly, this procedure is not limited to adulthood. Otoplasty can be performed in childhood when appropriate, and there is not always a requirement to be 18 years old.
Why Is Age 6 Important for Otoplasty?
The age of 6 is often considered a key milestone for ear development. By this time, ear growth is typically around 90% complete, and ear shape becomes more stable. For this reason, prominent ear correction can usually be evaluated more accurately after this age, and surgical planning may be done safely when needed.
Otoplasty is sometimes recommended before adulthood, not because it must be performed early, but because prominent ears can negatively influence a child's emotional well-being-particularly when children start school. Some children may experience teasing or unwanted attention, which may affect confidence and social comfort. For this reason, many families prefer surgery during the pre-school period.
Prominent ear deformity can also be distressing for adults, as it may continue to impact self-image. However, in most cases, otoplasty is a single-session procedure, and the ear projection can be corrected by reshaping the cartilage and repositioning the ears closer to the head.
In summary, children may typically undergo surgery from around age 6 onward, and otoplasty can also be performed safely at later ages following proper medical evaluation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Prominent Ear Surgery?
Otoplasty may be suitable for individuals who:
- are dissatisfied with the outward projection or asymmetry of their ears,
- have a cartilage shape issue affecting ear folds,
- experience psychological discomfort due to prominent ear appearance.
As with any surgical procedure, candidates should not have a condition that prevents surgery. Otoplasty is generally not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and individuals are usually advised to wait until these periods are completed.
How Are Prominent Ears Treated?
Because prominent ears are relatively common, treatment options are frequently asked about. In most cases, the most predictable and lasting solution is surgical correction (otoplasty).
However, when the condition is noticed very shortly after birth, non-surgical approaches may be considered in selected cases. These may include:
- placing a soft splint designed to support natural ear folds,
- or using specialized ear banding techniques.
These methods aim to guide the cartilage into a more typical shape during early infancy. It is important to know that these non-surgical options are generally effective only in the newborn period, when ear cartilage is more flexible. In older children and adults, they usually do not produce reliable results, which is why otoplasty becomes the preferred approach.
Modern otoplasty techniques are designed to improve both safety and comfort. Since the incision is commonly made behind the ear, concerns about visible scarring are usually minimal. Many patients feel reassured knowing that the scar is typically well-hidden in natural skin folds.
Is Otoplasty Painful?
After surgery, once the effect of anesthesia wears off, mild discomfort may occur behind the ear or around the ear area. This is generally expected and temporary. Mild pain does not indicate a complication.
Surgeons typically prescribe pain relief medication, and discomfort often improves within 1 to 2 days. Most patients report that the pain is not severe and does not significantly disrupt daily life or work.
Is Prominent Ear Surgery Risky?
Every surgical intervention includes potential risks. Otoplasty may involve risks such as:
- bleeding,
- infection,
- anesthesia-related complications.
However, when performed under appropriate medical standards and by an experienced surgeon, serious complications are uncommon. Antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize infection risk, and following post-operative instructions closely is essential for safe healing.
Will There Be a Scar After Otoplasty?
It is not medically accurate to claim that there will be no scar at all, since an incision is required. However, scarring after otoplasty is usually mild and often becomes less noticeable over time.
Because the incision is typically placed behind the ear, the scar's visibility is usually very low. With proper healing, the scar may gradually fade and approach the natural skin tone.
When a patient is concerned about the shape or projection of the ears, a detailed examination is performed and the procedure is planned accordingly. Key points about the otoplasty (prominent ear correction) process can be summarized as follows:
- Depending on the patient's age and overall health condition, prominent ear surgery may be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- Thanks to anesthesia, the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.
- A small incision is usually made behind the ear, allowing the surgeon to access and reshape the cartilage tissue.
- The ears are repositioned to sit closer to the head, creating a more natural and balanced appearance.
- The incision is closed with sutures to complete the operation.
- After surgery, the ears are typically wrapped with a bandage to help protect the new shape and support early healing.
- If necessary, additional adjustments such as earlobe reduction may also be performed during the same session.
- Hospitalization is usually not required; patients are commonly discharged on the same day and can return home.
- On the day of surgery, mild nausea or headache may occur. These symptoms are usually related to anesthesia, rather than the otoplasty procedure itself.
In general, the recovery period after otoplasty (prominent ear correction surgery) is not overly challenging for most patients. The most common points patients ask about can be summarized as follows:
- After prominent ear surgery, the bandages are typically removed in about 4 days.
- Once the dressings are removed, taking a shower is generally allowed, unless the surgeon advises otherwise.
- For approximately 4 weeks after surgery, the ear area should be protected with a special headband/band.
- The recommended duration of headband use may vary depending on the degree of ear deformity and individual healing.
- During the first few weeks, swelling and tenderness in the treated area may occur. This is expected and usually not a cause for concern.
- Most patients can return to daily routines relatively quickly, and prolonged bed rest is not typically required.
- To reduce the risk of infection, prescribed medications should be taken regularly and as directed.
- Special care should be taken to avoid any trauma or impact to the ears after surgery. A direct hit may affect the new ear position and healing process.
Suture Care and Follow-Up After Prominent Ear Surgery
After otoplasty, absorbable (dissolving) sutures are often used, which means stitches usually do not need to be removed. However, attending follow-up visits during the period recommended by the surgeon is essential.
In many cases, bandages are fully removed and the necessary early check-ups are completed within the first 10 days after the procedure. If unexpected symptoms occur-such as severe pain, high fever, or unusual swelling-patients should contact their surgeon promptly.
A return of the prominent ear appearance is generally not expected, and a second operation is typically unnecessary. Rarely, revision surgery may be required in situations such as:
- significant trauma to the ear area during healing
- incision or sutures opening before healing is complete
In such cases, the goal is to re-shape and stabilize the ear cartilage to restore the intended outcome.
