Prominent Ears Treatment – A percentage of the population feel that their ears stick out too much. Some people experience distress from prominent ears and feel self-conscious. Let’s take a look at the treatment options, benefits and recovery process of prominent ear correction.
What are Prominent Ears?
Ears that stick out more than 2cm are considered prominent ears. Prominent or protruding ears are usually caused by a lack of cartilage folds in the ear. Most cases of prominent ears start to develop in early childhood.
How Can You Treat Prominent Ears?
Prominent ear correction surgery uses advanced otoplasty techniques to treat prominent ears. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours to perform. There are different techniques available, depending on the type and amount of cartilage involved in the procedure.
By using advanced otoplasty techniques, your surgeon can change the shape of your ear cartilage and bring your ears closer to the head. During the surgery, a small incision is made behind the ear. If necessary, your surgeon will remove small pieces of cartilage. Stitches are then put in the back of the ear to reposition or reshape the ear.
What are the Benefits of Prominent Ear Surgery?
Often, protruding ears are an inherited trait. It can happen in one or both ears. Benefits of prominent ear surgery include:
- Boost confidence
- Reposition ears flatter against the head
- Reduce very large ears
- Improve the appearance of abnormalities
The ideal candidate is in good health and is looking to gain more confidence and restore facial balance. In general, patients who are bothered by their ears when you put your hair up or just following a haircut in men may benefit from prominent ear correction surgery.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Ear Correction Surgery?
Depending on your surgery and the technique your surgeon uses, you may need a bandage around your head to encourage your ears to heel in their new position. If you do have a dressing, you will need to keep it dry. So, you won’t be able to wash your hair until after the bandage is removed. You will be fully recovered and back to normal by 6 weeks.
It’s important that you restrict your normal routine for the first 1-2 weeks so that you can recover from the surgery effectively. The majority of swelling should go down in 2-3 weeks. But you will be sore for a few days. It usually takes about 12 weeks before you can participate in full-contact sports. But it’s always essential to speak to your surgeon beforehand for the all-clear.
What are the Risks of Prominent Ear Correction Surgery?
Complications of prominent ear correction surgery are generally rare. However, there are some potential risks and complications of the procedure, such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Unsatisfactory appearance
- Scarring
- General anaesthetic risks
Prominent or protruding ears don’t resolve on their own. In general, the only way to fix prominent ears is with a surgical procedure. Many of our patients report a big improvement in self-esteem following the surgery. If you enjouyed this article – why not consider reading some additional expertly written posts on plastic and cosmetic surgery:
