The protruding ears are the most frequent blemish affecting the ears .
Due to this defect, usually evident from birth, the ears assume a more or less protruding position from the head which makes them prominent. The intervention to correct the problem is otoplasty: let’s see how it works .
How to correct protruding ears with otoplasty
With otoplasty, the ears are brought close to the head and the normal folds of cartilage are also recreated. The behind-the-ear groove, that is the point where the temples of the glasses rest, remains unchanged.
Since the defect is linked to an anomaly in the shape and position of the cartilage that constitutes the scaffolding of the ear, the otoplasty operation aims to remodel and sculpt this tissue in order to give it an aesthetically shaped more correct and harmonic.
As a rule, at the end of the surgery, the ear cartilages are stabilized with internal sutures that resorb spontaneously and therefore do not need to be removed.
The skin incision, which is used as a gateway to the cartilage of the auricle to be remodeled, remains hidden in the retro-auricular sulcus and, therefore, remains invisible.
For the otoplasty surgery you do not need to cut your hair, it is also possible to resume daily activities as early as the next day.
The result is immediately noticeable and improves within a few weeks.
The type of anesthesia
In adults and young people over 13-14 years it is possible to perform otoplasty under local anesthesia, on an outpatient basis and without hospitalization, but general anesthesia is preferable in young children due to their possible restlessness.
Is it possible to change the shape of the auricle in addition to the protrusion?
In addition to the so-called protruding ears, there are many cosmetic defects that can be corrected with surgery.
Among these we remember the abnormal folds of the upper portion (lop ear), the loss of the fold or margin always in the upper part (shell ears) and finally the deformities of the ear lobe .
It is therefore advisable to discuss with the surgeon the possibilities and strategies suitable for the individual case.
FAQ
Do you have questions about otoplasty?
Read here first.
It is possible to perform otoplasty from preschool age, because the ears finish most of their growth around 5 years of age.
The scar will be on the posterior surface of the auricle, in an inconspicuous spot facing the hair.
No, the hair will simply be “fixed” in such a way as not to hinder the intervention.
Sure. The otoplasty operation preserves the retro-auricular sulcus intact, so you can wear glasses without problems.
