A prominent ear is a physical feature you can easily correct with surgery. Otoplasty, known as ear pinning, can reshape your ear’s cartilage and soft tissue.
That surgery is done under local anesthesia, depending on your preferences and needs. Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but we recommend taking it easy for about a week after surgery.
What is otoplasty
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct prominent ears. Otoplasty aims to make the ears appear more proportionate and natural. The surgery can be performed on children with large prominent ears and adults who have experienced trauma or injury that has caused their ear size to change.
The procedure involves reshaping the cartilage in your ear and repositioning it for a more natural appearance. In many cases, stitches hold the cartilage in place during healing.
Still, they may be removed after several weeks or months following surgery depending on your surgeon’s preference and recommendations based on your individual needs and recovery time frame.”
What causes prominent ears?
Protruding or protruding ears are common among people of all ages. In most cases, the condition is a genetic trait that begins at birth and may worsen with age.
In addition, people with prominent ears have a higher risk of developing other conditions, such as ankylotic disorders, meaning they cannot move their joints freely in specific directions due to inflammation caused by injuries or abnormalities in bone structures around joints like knees and elbows (ankylosis).
People with that condition experience pain during movement because their muscles are not working correctly due to inflamed or degenerated tissues surrounding them.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Otoplasty surgery is an excellent option for the following people:
- Those with prominent ears.
- Those who have small ear canals or malformed earlobes.
These people will benefit from the surgery, especially if they are bothered by their appearance and want to improve their self-image. Other people with no problem with their ears but may have had a traumatic injury or congenital disability that requires corrective surgery may also find that otoplasty can improve their looks.
Preparing for Surgery
Before scheduling the surgery, you must meet your surgeon to discuss important points determining whether the surgery works well for you.
Such as:
- The surgeon will check your medical history by asking questions like your medical problems, previous surgeries, and used medication. Then, heey will do a physical examination and ask for a blood test. Furthermore, they will examine your ears’ size, shape, and placement.
- You and your surgeon will decide whether to perform the fat grafting surgery with local or general anesthesia.
- You’ll talk honestly to your surgeon about what you hope to accomplish by having the surgery. It is necessary to know what the expected results are.
The surgeon will also discuss all procedures, possible side effects, and the risks to be aware of. Finally, he will explain all the instructions you must follow to prepare for the process.
ear correction Surgery
prominent ear techniques differ according to every individual case. Your surgeon will determine how the process will be and which method they will use after the consultation.
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In general, the surgeon will make an incision behind the ear. Through this incision, they will remove the skin or sma all pieces of the cartilage and then reshape the ear to get the required results.
The doctor will use stitches behind the ears to put them in a less prominent position. In the last step, the surgeon will put bandages over the ears for a few days to protect them. The surgery takes approximately one to two hours.
Often you can go back home on the same day unless your surgeon asks you to stay at the hospital for more time.
Read Also: Chin Implant Turkey: Candidates, Risks, Types, and Price.
Ear pinning recovery
After the process, the medical crew will observe you in the recovery room. If everything goes well, you will be able to go home back after a few hours. The surgeon will describe a painkiller to use when needed and other medications like an antibiotic.
You must follow all the aftercare instructions for a quick recovery.
Such as:
- Avoid sleeping on the sides or pressuring your ears.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities.
- Wear loose clothes to avoid any contact with the ears area.
Your doctor will remove the bandages after a week. Then you can wash your hair. After that, you can return to your daily routine after two weeks. First, however, you must avoid some sports for a few months, like swimming.
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Otoplasty risks
Every surgical procedure is associated with certain risks. Although ear pinning surgery is safe, you must understand the expected hazards before proceeding.
Otoplasty risks include:
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Asymmetry in the ears’ placement.
- Scars: the scar will not disappear totally, but it will not be visible because of its location behind the ear.
- Changing skin sensation usually takes time to get better. Rarely may it be permanent.
With HayatMed, you can be sure you will get the best medical services in Turkey besides the affordable costs.
Otoplasty side effects
Like any other operation, ear correction surgery may cause some side effects. For instance:
- Scars behind the ears, which will fade over time.
- prickling in the ears for a few weeks
- numbness in the face and ears for a few days
- bruising around the ears area for a few weeks (Bleeding under the skin)
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Follow all the surgeon’s tips to surpass the complications safely.
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prominent ear surgery results.
You can notice the effect directly after removing the bandages. However, sometimes, you may need to wait until all the complications disappear.
A pinnaplasty is a safe procedure; its result is permeant and satisfactory.
otoplasty before and after
Otoplasty cost
The cost varies from one clinic to another.
Some factors determine the price of this process:
- The procedure varies from one case to another, and the cost depends on the complexity of the surgery.
- The geographical location.
- The surgeon’s experience.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Turkey?
The cost of otoplasty surgery varies based on several factors, including the surgeon’s training and experience level, the type and extent of the procedure performed, and your geographic location. However, as a rule of thumb, you should expect to pay $2000 for otoplasty surgery in Turkey.
Suppose you are considering going abroad for otoplasty surgery but want to avoid the hassle or expense of traveling halfway around the world (and back). In that case, visiting Istanbul—a city with an excellent reputation for plastic surgery procedures like these is highly recommended.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in the US?
The average cost of otoplasty in the United States is $3,736. That includes surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and doctor’s fees. The price range varies depending on where you live and what part of your ear you have surgery on (the pinna).
Suppose a cosmetic surgeon performs the procedure in their office or clinic. In that case, it may cost less than if they perform the procedure at an outpatient surgical facility (hospital or medical center) or an ambulatory surgical center (ASC).
In some parts of the country, where many plastic surgeons are doing that type of surgery, many patients choose to have their otoplasty done at an ASC for convenience.
If you need to figure out how much your surgery will cost in advance, then ask about competitive pricing packages with other nearby surgeons to compare what options might be available before deciding which surgeon offers the best value for money!
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in the UK?
The cost of otoplasty varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the location where it’s performed. The average price of otoplasty in the United Kingdom (UK) is between £2,500 to £3,500. However, that may not include other medical expenses related to postoperative care following otoplasty surgery.
That price includes the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthetist’s fee
- Hospital fees
Conclusion
When considering otoplasty for your child, it’s essential to understand the procedure and its risks.
Otoplasty is a common procedure for children with visible or prominent ears, and it improves their appearance by making them look more normal and symmetrical.
However, many factors, location, and surgeon experience can affect ear surgery costs.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What are the Common post-surgery side effects?
The most common side effects of otoplasty include pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be controlled with medication prescribed by your doctor. Infection is a risk but not very common in otoplasty surgery when performed by a qualified surgeon.
Hearing loss may occur due to nerve damage during surgery or other causes related to the operation. Skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) and loss of sensation around your ear lobes may also result from improper procedures or poor healing techniques used at home after surgery.
Does insurance cover otoplasty?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), insurance companies will generally cover the cost of otoplasty. However, how much is covered depends on your insurance plan, and what you pay out of pocket depends on your deductible. In addition, insurance companies will not cover the cost of anesthesia.
Check with your insurance company before scheduling any procedure to know what is covered and how much it will cost.
How Long Will an Otoplasty Last?
The results of otoplasty are permanent and should last for years if properly cared for.
It’s important to remember that your ears need time to heal after an otoplasty, so make sure you don’t go swimming or expose them to excessive moisture for at least two weeks.
Are Otoplasty Scars Noticeable?
Otoplasty scars are usually hidden behind the ear. This is because most incisions are made in an area with hair, making them less evident over time. Scars are also often covered by the ears, making them hard to see even with no hair.
Are both ears addressed during otoplasty?
Yes. In otoplasty, both ears are addressed at the same time. Based on your unique case, the surgeon will decide whether to address the ears separately or together.
If you have two different-sized ears and want them to match in size, then both ears will be addressed during surgery.
However, that is only sometimes necessary for someone with mild asymmetry in their ear anatomy.
If only one of your ears has a significant deformity like a lop ear (low set) or cup ear (the large inner portion with an overly broad crease), then addressing that specific shape may be sufficient to create a more balanced look overall without changing other aspects of your facial structure like chin height or brow position (forehead).
In some cases where there is a severe asymmetry between the left and right sides and large differences in size between them (for example, if one side is 2-3 times larger than another), it might make sense for surgeons who specialize in cosmetic procedures like otoplasty surgery.
How do I sleep after otoplasty?
- Wear a headband. Be sure to wear a headband for two weeks after surgery, keeping your ears elevated as much as possible.
- Keep your head elevated. If you are lying down, be sure not to sleep on your back or stomach, which will cause pressure on the operated ear. Instead, prop yourself up with pillows and keep your head somewhat upright so that gravity keeps the blood flowing away from the ear area (that will also help prevent swelling).
- Use ice packs for pain relief, but do not use them for more than 15 minutes at a time! The goal is to provide some cold therapy without causing frostbite or other unwanted issues related to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Use pain medication if necessary; consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter meds because they might interfere with your other medications—or vice versa!
About the author
Binsy brings over 13 years of expertise to the HayatMed Clinic Blog. With a passion for healthcare communication, she has crafted insightful articles that demystify complex medical topics, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Her wealth of experience ensures that each blog post is a reliable source of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of health and medical advancements.
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Duran Çekiç
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