Prominent Ear Correction in Children

Ear aesthetics is one of the most preferred procedures among aesthetic interventions. Prominent ear correction can be performed on young children as well, compared to other aesthetic surgeries. Let's take a detailed look at how prominent ear correction is performed in children. Enjoy reading.

Ear protrusion is an ear deformity that can occur in any age group. It is commonly known as "prominent ear." 1 in 5 children has this deformity. It can even be seen in newborn babies. In some babies it corrects itself with growth, while in others it continues into childhood and adulthood.

What Should Be Done If a Newborn Baby Has Prominent Ear Deformity?

In newborn babies, ear development is not yet complete, so ear protrusion can be observed. This is a normal condition, and there is no need to panic, because prominent ear deformity in newborns can be corrected with the right measures. The most important of these measures is using a hat or headband during the first 4 months after birth. With the effect of the hat or headband, the ears will complete their development closer to the head without protruding further, helping to prevent this congenital condition. Some babies are not born with ear protrusion, but sleeping on the ear, ear folding, and similar situations can cause prominent ear deformity even in ears that did not initially protrude.

If prominent ear deformity is still present after the first 4 months of headband or hat use, this is also not a cause for concern. Parents may feel anxious in such situations, but it helps to stay calm. Raise your baby happily and healthily. Since the child is too young to notice the condition, it will not cause them any distress at this stage. However, the condition should be corrected with a surgical procedure before school age. Otherwise, once the child's friends notice it, a difficult psychological process may begin.

What Is the Most Ideal Age for Prominent Ear Correction in Children?

For children with prominent ear deformity, the most ideal time for surgery is before school age. Around 6 years old is the ideal age.

How Does the Surgical Process Work?

In children, prominent ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia. In patients over the age of 10 and in adults, it is performed under local anesthesia. When local anesthesia is used, an overnight hospital stay is not required. However, if general anesthesia is used, we recommend staying under observation at the hospital for one night after the surgery.

During the surgery, a headband-like bandage is placed over the ears. This bandage needs to stay in place for 3 days. After 3 days, the bandage can be removed in the shower, and the patient can return to normal social life. It is not a painful process. However, since children tend to be a bit more sensitive than adults, the process can feel somewhat challenging. This challenging period is limited to the first night after the surgery; after that, nothing is felt.

If parents wish, they can also plan the surgery for after age 6. It is even possible to wait until the child grows up and can make the decision for themselves. They can then choose to have the surgery based on their own decision.

To learn more about ear pinning, see our full guide to otoplasty (ear pinning) in Istanbul by Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, including before and after photos.