Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

What is Ear Correction?

Also known as otoplasty, ear correction is a procedure to change the shape, position, or size of the ears. If you are bothered by how far your ears stick out from your head, you may consider otoplasty.

You may also consider otoplasty if your ear or ears are misshapen due to injury or birth defect. Otoplasty can be performed at any age after the ears have reached their full size—usually after age 5—through adulthood.

Otoplasty, also known medically as ear pinning, is performed to bring the ears closer to the head and correct their alignment. Protruding ears are a common condition where the ears are more prominent than normal.

This condition can cause social discomfort and distress, especially in childhood. Ear correction surgery helps the ears appear more natural and attractive.

How is Ear Correction Performed?

Ear correction surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake. The plastic surgeon makes incisions to reshape the ears and, if necessary, reshapes the cartilage. The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

An incision is made behind the ears. The surgeon reshapes the ear cartilage and removes excess tissue. Stitches bring the ears closer to the head. Postoperative incisions are usually hidden in the natural folds of the ear and are not visible.

Otoplasty is suitable for both adults and children and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

When is Ear Correction Performed?

Ear correction can be performed from the age of 5-6, when the ears have largely completed their development. At this age, the size and shape of the ears are similar to those in adulthood. Early surgery can help protect children from bullying and make them feel more comfortable in social life.

Because the ear cartilage is soft and moldable in childhood, surgical results are usually more successful. Ear correction can be performed at any age. Protruding ears can cause aesthetic concerns and lack of confidence in individuals.

After surgery, adults may feel more confident in social and professional life. Bringing the ears closer to the head with surgery improves their appearance and helps individuals feel better about themselves.

Why is Ear Correction Performed?

Ear correction is a cosmetic surgery performed to correct ears that are more prominent than normal. This condition can cause problems in both children and adults.

The main reason is to address aesthetic concerns. Protruding ears can negatively affect the overall appearance of the face and may impact self-confidence. Bringing the ears closer to the head helps achieve a more natural look.

This balances facial features and improves overall aesthetics. The prominence of the ears is especially noticeable in children and those with short hair.

Who is Ear Correction For?

Ear correction is suitable for patients whose ears and auricles are far from the head, whose ears are disproportionately large compared to the face, or who have asymmetry between the ears.

It is ideal for those who are dissatisfied with the appearance or shape of their ears and want a more natural look. The procedure can be performed on both children and adults, usually to address aesthetic concerns, increase comfort, and help individuals feel more at ease in social life.

Ear correction is generally recommended for children aged 5 to 6, when ear development is largely complete and school begins. Early correction helps children feel more confident and comfortable in social settings.

Advantages of Ear Correction

Ear correction not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also provides significant social and psychological benefits. The most obvious is the improvement in appearance. Protruding ears can negatively affect the overall appearance of the face and self-confidence.

Bringing the ears closer to the head helps achieve a more natural look. This balances facial features and improves overall aesthetics.

Correcting prominent ears is important for self-confidence. Especially in children, prominent ears can be a source of teasing and insecurity. After surgery, the new shape of the ears helps individuals feel more comfortable and confident in social life.

Possible Risks and Complications

Ear correction surgery is generally a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are some risks. These include infection, bleeding, anesthesia reactions, wound healing problems, ear asymmetry, and sensory loss.

Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks in detail with your doctor before surgery.

Expected Results After Ear Correction

Desired results are usually achieved after ear correction surgery. The ears become less prominent and are positioned closer to the head. However, results may vary from person to person, and full results may take time as the healing process completes.

After surgery, the ears are bandaged for the first few days. Bandages are usually removed after a week, and patients can return to normal daily activities. However, it is important to avoid physical contact and sports. The healing process varies individually, but full recovery is usually seen within a few weeks.