Protruding ears are a type of congenital malformation of the ear flap. In this case, the flap show an abnormal protrusion from the head. This particular condition is usually manifested due to hereditary factors and is noticeable from the moment of birth. The ears obtain their final size by the age of 5 to 6 years, while the shape and position of the flap do not change. Protruding ears can significantly affect a person’s psychology, which is why in many cases people choose to correct them through plastic surgery. The procedure performed in this case is otoplasty.
Protruding ears: What do they cause?
There are not a few times that this situation causes feelings of inferiority in both a child and an adult. A child with protruding ears may in many cases feel disadvantaged by their appearance, which negatively affects their self-confidence and daily life in the future. The influence that this situation exerts on the child’s psychology often accompanies him in his later life. The protruding ears appear with the same frequency in both men and women.
When can otoplasty be performed?
Otoplasty can be performed both during childhood, after the age of 5 years, but also during adult life, whenever the person decides to correct the specific deformity. With this specific operation, the shape, size and position of the ears are corrected. In this way, both aesthetic and functional issues that cause the protruding ears are treated.
Otoplasty is performed on the flap of the ears, i.e. the outer part of them. The goal is to remodel the ear cartilage to effectively address the issue of protruding ears. Before performing the procedure, the doctor assesses the size, shape and position of the ears, in order to propose the appropriate method of approach according to the unique characteristics of each patient.
Otoplasty is performed in the case of an adult patient under local anesthesia and intoxication, while general anesthesia is recommended for children. Depending on the complexity and special characteristics of each case, it can last from 1 to 3 hours. The aim of the operation is to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result, which leaves the patient completely satisfied.
Otoplasty: Surgical techniques
Otoplasty can be performed either by cutting the ear cartilage, or by preserving and reforming it. During the operation, a small incision is made on the surface of the skin behind the ear, and then the ear cartilage and the folds it includes are shaped appropriately. To make this possible, the otolaryngologist places special sutures and removes specific parts of the cartilage. Then, stitches are placed in the incision in such a way that the scar is not visible.
Post-operative course after otoplastic surgery
After the end of the operation, a bandage is placed on the patient’s head, which can be removed after 24 hours. The stitches are either absorbable by the body or removed by the surgeon after one week after the operation. The patient is advised to wear a band for 15 days to stabilize the position of the flaps. The patient can return to their daily activities shortly after the operation. ENT surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou performs this operation in order to achieve an excellent aesthetic result.
