Ear surgery (otoplasty) is an operation performed mostly for the condition known as "prominent ears". Prominent ears occur when the angle between the ear and the head is wider than it should be, or when the folds of the ear have not developed sufficiently. The aim of the operation is not to make the ear smaller, but to bring the angle between the head and the ear to a natural measure and to create the missing folds the ear should have.
Do prominent ears correct themselves?
No. Prominent ears do not correct themselves with growth; as the cartilage stiffens and grows, the appearance may become even more noticeable. In the newborn period, ear-moulding tapes applied in the first weeks can be effective in some cases; once this period has passed, the permanent solution is surgery. This period is the first 3 months.
At what age should it be done?
The ear largely completes its development by the age of 5-6. For this reason, surgery is recommended before school age — the timing is important so that the child is not affected socially by the appearance of prominent ears during school years. In adults there is no upper age limit; it can be performed at any age.
| Age group | Anaesthesia | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Children (aged 5-6 and over) | General anaesthesia | The pre-school period is preferred |
| Adolescents and adults | Local anaesthesia (sedation if needed) | Same-day discharge is possible |
How is ear surgery performed?
The cartilage is reached through an incision behind the ear. The cartilage is reshaped, held in its new position with permanent sutures, and the missing folds are created. The operation takes about 2-2.5 hours. The patient goes home the same day or the next day.
Because the incision is behind the ear, the resulting scar is not visible from the outside. After the operation, a special band is worn for 1-1.5 months so that the ears keep their new position; this duration is adjusted by the doctor according to how quickly you heal. Wearing the band regularly directly affects the result, as it prevents the ear from folding during sleep and losing its shape.
What to expect during recovery?
- In the first days there may be mild pain, swelling and a feeling of numbness; this is controlled with painkillers
- After the protective dressing is removed, most people return to school or work within a few days
- It takes 2-3 weeks for the swelling to go down noticeably
- Contact sports and activities with a risk of a blow to the ear are postponed for about two months
- The ear takes a few months to reach its final shape
In the early period after surgery, the ears may sit closer to the head than they should; this is a natural result of swelling. As the swelling subsides, the ears take on a more natural appearance — the result should not be judged by the early appearance.
Risks and possible problems
Although rare, blood collection (haematoma), infection and delayed wound healing may occur. Asymmetry that existed before surgery and has a structural cause may not disappear completely after the operation. Partial return of the original shape is possible if the permanent sutures loosen over time. Particularly in men, because the ear cartilage is thicker and stiffer, the cartilage may have a greater tendency to return to its former shape over time.
Ear surgery can also be planned together with other procedures within facial aesthetic surgery. For a suitability assessment, you can contact the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is prominent ear surgery performed?
During the operation, the ear cartilage is reached through an incision behind the ear; the cartilage is reshaped to reduce the angle between the ear and the head and, when necessary, folds are created. Local anaesthesia is usually preferred for adults and general anaesthesia for children. The procedure takes about 2-2.5 hours. Because the incision is behind the ear, the resulting scar is not visible from the outside.
How long is the headband worn after prominent ear surgery?
In the first days after surgery (3-5 days), a protective dressing is wrapped around the ears. After this dressing is removed, you will be asked to wear a special band day and night for about 1-1.5 months so that the ears keep their new position. Wearing the band regularly directly affects the result, as it prevents the ear from folding during sleep and losing its shape. The duration is adjusted by your doctor according to how quickly you heal.
What is the right age for prominent ear surgery?
The ear largely completes its development by the age of 5-6. Because prominent ears do not correct themselves, and may even become more noticeable as the cartilage stiffens, surgery is recommended before school age; this way the child is not affected by the condition during school years. In adults it can be performed at any age; there is no upper age limit.
How does recovery progress after prominent ear surgery?
In the first days there may be mild pain, swelling and a feeling of numbness; this is controlled with medication. After the dressing is removed, most people return to school or work within a few days. It takes 2-3 weeks for the swelling to go down noticeably. Contact sports and activities with a risk of a blow to the ear are postponed for about two months. The ear takes a few months to reach its final shape.
What problems can occur after prominent ear surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, this operation also has risks: blood collection (haematoma), infection, delayed wound healing and, rarely, partial return of the original shape may occur. Asymmetry that existed before surgery and has a structural cause may not disappear completely after the operation. In the late period after surgery, even years later, the ends of the permanent sutures may come to the skin surface because the skin behind the ear is thin. In such a case, the sutures that have surfaced can easily be removed. These and similar possibilities are discussed with the patient in detail during the pre-operative consultation.