Prominent ears are seen in about 5% of children. There is a genetic transition and it is more likely to be seen in those whose parents have prominent ears. It is much more common in the Celtic race and the Japanese. It does not discriminate between genders, but it affects boys more because girls can hide it with their hair.
If the child or his family is very disturbed by the image, if he is ridiculed by his friends, if these teasing affect the child's mental state, surgery should be performed. While some children say they are unaffected, their social relationships deteriorate and their school performance declines. In such cases, the decision for surgery is taken together with the parents and, if necessary, a psychologist.
By the age of three, the auricle reaches 85% of its adult size. The ideal age for prominent ear surgeries is between 4-6 years old. It is recommended to perform the surgery before starting primary school so that the mental state of the children is not affected. For this reason, the number of older children and adults who have prominent ear surgery is not less. However, performing surgery at an early age both prevents the child from being psychologically injured, and the soft cartilages are shaped more easily.
Many methods are available. In the method I apply, an incision is made behind the ear, the front of the ear cartilage is weakened by drawing with a special tool, a fold is created with stitches, the auricle is sewn to the head with the help of stitches and tilted back.
The advantages of this method are that the scar remains behind the ear, the cartilage is not cut, the skin is not removed from behind the ear, the swelling is minimal and the results are permanent.
What should be done and what should not be done before the operation?As in all surgeries, it is necessary to stop aspirin and smoking 3 weeks before the surgery in prominent ear surgeries. In the last 1 week, it is necessary to stay away from drugs and similar substances that can dilute the blood.
What not to use
Painkillers such as Apranax, Voltaren, Vermidon (Minoset, Novalgin can be used when pain relief is required), Multivitamin pills containing substances such as ginseng, ginko biloba, co-enzyme Q, Green tea, flaxseed, cherry stalk, tomato seed herbal products All weight loss products.
An elastic bandage is wrapped after the surgery. Patients are usually sent home the same day. Two days later, the bandage is removed, the wounds are checked, and the patient wears a tennis band to cover his ears. From the second day, patients can take a bath. Tennis tape should be used regularly for a week. At the end of a week, the tennis player's headband is worn indoors and at night for 3 weeks. In the first 3 weeks, it is necessary to protect the ears from impacts and pulling.
The problems that may be encountered in the early period are bleeding and suture opening. The risk of bleeding can be minimized with a meticulous surgical and post-operative bandage application. Among the problems that may be encountered in the late period are the reopening of the ears, asymmetries, irregularities, deformities and palpation of the sutures.
Some opening in the ears can be expected after the surgery. This risk is lower in children. However, this risk will be minimized if the correct method is used and the bandage is used for a sufficient period of time after the surgery.