This surgery is used when the ears are taller and wider than normal and look bothersome.
Treatment for ear problems such as an absent outer ear or an earlobe that is larger than normal.
Urgent and meticulous surgery is performed for ears torn off after trauma; depending on the condition and size of the detached part, it is reattached.
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty has an important place in facial aesthetic surgery, as ear problems have long caused serious psychological distress. Congenital or acquired ear problems can reduce patients' self-confidence in daily life, and you may need ear surgery for problems caused by ear development or external factors. Prominent ear surgery is the most common ear operation in Turkey, but earlobe surgery, surgery for ear anomalies and repair of torn ears are also performed.
Why Dr. Süleyman Taş?
Patients from all over Turkey choose Prof. Dr. Süleyman TAŞ for otoplasty. To understand these patients better and to help people considering this operation, a comprehensive survey was sent to 5,000 patients. The survey results show that the main reasons are:
Careful Planning in Otoplasty
Prof. Dr. Süleyman TAŞ
Prof. Dr. Süleyman TAŞ starts from the patient's realistic expectations and brings his own experience to the work. He assesses how the ear harmonises with the face and makes a plan specific to the patient.
Prominent ear surgery is the most requested type of ear surgery, and prominent ears are common in children. They are sometimes present from birth and sometimes develop later. In newborns with prominent ears, using a headband or cap during the first 4 months can help the ears correct. If they do not, prominent ears can be corrected with a simple surgical procedure. The choice of surgeon, the technique used and care before and after surgery all affect the result, and cost is another factor patients consider.
Choosing an Otoplasty Surgeon
The first key point in choosing an otoplasty surgeon is the technique the surgeon uses. When researching otoplasty you may come across many techniques, which can be confusing. First, identify your complaints and what exactly bothers you about your ears: prominent ears, large ears, the earlobes, or a congenital ear anomaly? Knowing your complaint precisely will help you choose a surgeon. The flap technique, developed with a personal approach and recognised with an award, is the one our surgeons prefer most today, and a surgeon needs to be well trained in it.
Another key point is the surgeon's experience: they should have performed a sufficient number of otoplasty operations.
The surgeon you choose must also be skilled. Even with all the technical knowledge, a lack of skill greatly increases the risk of a poor result. A surgeon's interest in and eye for art helps keep that skill sharp.
The most important point is trust between you and your surgeon, and the first meeting is an important step in building it. During the consultation, express your complaints and expectations clearly; your surgeon will realistically explain which method or technique suits you. Once healthy trust is established, the operation can be planned by discussing all the details, including surgery, recovery, the hospital stay and costs.
Advantages of the Flap Technique in Prominent Ear Surgery
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Because absorbable stitches are used, stitches do not work their way out behind the ear even 1 to 2 years after surgery.
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Because the ear is held back with a tissue flap, the ear does not reopen and recurrence is not expected.
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It avoids an unnatural look caused by pinning the ear too far back and eliminating the space behind it, which can even make wearing glasses difficult.
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Because the cartilage is not cut, shape irregularities on the cartilage do not occur.
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Because the ear is splinted from inside, a headband-style bandage is not needed after surgery.
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Because the front of the ear is not operated on, it does not cause swelling, bruising, haematoma or circulation problems.
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The technique can be performed under local anaesthesia.
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Because it is performed from behind the ear and no skin is removed there, no visible scar is left on the ear and it does not cause problems such as keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
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Because it causes little trauma to the ear, patients can return to daily life the next day.
Prominent Ear Surgery
Prominent ears are the most common congenital ear deformity, seen in about 5% of people, and are inherited (autosomal dominant). In people who need prominent ear surgery, the height and width of the ear are above normal and look bothersome. A normal ear is on average 60 to 65 mm high and 25 to 35 mm wide.
Before Prominent Ear Surgery
People considering prominent ear surgery, or their parents, should research carefully. The choice of surgeon affects the whole process after surgery, and reviewing a surgeon's previous operations can give you an idea. Once you have chosen a surgeon, go for a consultation; an expert opinion will help support your decision. During the consultation, tell your surgeon clearly what bothers you and what you expect. If the communication is good and you feel understood, you can move on to planning, when the details of the operation, type of anaesthesia, date and time are set. Tests are carried out before surgery. If you have any illness or take any medication your surgeon should know about, be sure to mention it during planning.
If you take blood-thinning medication, you should stop it 10 days before surgery, and alcohol should also be stopped 10 days before. Foods and herbs with blood-thinning effects should be avoided.
How Is Prominent Ear Surgery Performed?
Day of Surgery: You need to be at the hospital as planned. If your operation is under local anaesthesia you can have a light breakfast; if it is under general anaesthesia you should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. At the planned time the nurses will take you to the operating room, and seeing your surgeon there will help put you at ease. The operation takes about 1 hour. A bandage is applied at the end to protect the new shape and limit swelling. Thanks to the medication given, you may feel no pain when you return to your room. After local anaesthesia you can start eating once back in your room and go home after 3 to 4 hours of observation. After general anaesthesia you should not eat or drink for 4 hours, and depending on your doctor's preference you may need to stay in hospital for one night.
Anaesthesia: Otoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in young children and can be done under local anaesthesia in adults. If an adult patient is anxious, general anaesthesia may be preferred.
Operation: The parts of the ear that need correction are identified, with the aim of placing stitches that do not disturb the natural folds of the ear. Cartilage areas are rasped, tissue is removed where necessary and the ear is brought into the desired shape. Stitches are placed behind the ear.
A Personalised Technique for Prominent Ear Surgery
This approach addresses the problems seen in prominent ear surgery and aims for more predictable results. This flap technique is becoming increasingly popular and is being adopted by surgeons who perform otoplasty.
After Prominent Ear Surgery
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The bandage applied after surgery must be kept on for 3 days without removing it.
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The ears and bandage must not get wet for 3 days; you can wash below the neck.
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After 3 days the bandage can be removed and you can shower.
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Take the medications prescribed by your doctor on time.
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Pay attention to your diet after surgery, avoid very salty foods and drink plenty of water.
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Avoid cigarettes, hookah and tobacco products, and avoid places where they are used.
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Avoid blows to the ears and pulling or bending them, as trauma can disturb the new shape.
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If your doctor allows it, you can wear glasses after about 2 months.
Otoplasty Recovery
Prominent Ear Surgery Cost
Many criteria are taken into account when determining the cost of prominent ear surgery. These include:
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How far the ears protrude
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Whether the earlobe also needs correction
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Whether another operation will be performed at the same time
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Whether the patient has had ear surgery before
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Whether general or local anaesthesia is used
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Any additional tests or examinations before surgery
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Whether the patient requests an extra hospital stay
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The expected duration of the operation
All of these criteria are considered when determining the cost, and they are discussed at the consultation. Every procedure is individual and planned specifically for the patient, so the exact cost becomes clear after a detailed examination.
When Should Prominent Ear Surgery Be Done?
Prominent ear surgery can be done once cartilage development is complete, which continues until about the age of 5 to 6. This age is ideal for surgery, both because cartilage development is complete and because it is before the child starts school. Otherwise children may face teasing and social difficulties when they start school, so the deformity is best corrected before the child and their peers become aware of it.
Earlobe Surgery
Like prominent ears, an earlobe can stand away from the head and look unattractive. Many surgical techniques have been described for this; what they have in common is bringing the lobe closer to the head with an incision or stitches behind the ear. These are the most common earlobe operations. In women, earrings can also cause a torn earlobe.
Many techniques have also been described for this. In general, the torn area is repaired and can be pierced again 6 weeks later. Another earlobe problem is lobes that are larger than they should be; in that case they can be reduced to a suitable size with surgery.
Ear Anomalies
Congenital deformities of the ear are generally called ear anomalies. Because genetic factors play a role, care during pregnancy is important: avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol and cigarettes and avoiding heavy radiation exposure. Ear anomalies vary from person to person. Surgery is needed to correct deformities such as an absent outer ear or an earlobe that is larger than normal. In general, ear shape deformities include:
Question Mark Ear
Congenital deformities of the ear are generally called ear anomalies. Because genetic factors play a role, care during pregnancy is important: avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol and cigarettes and avoiding heavy radiation exposure. Ear anomalies vary from person to person. Surgery is needed to correct deformities such as an absent outer ear or an earlobe that is larger than normal. In general, ear shape deformities include:
