Prominent ear deformity can be genetic or sporadic (non-genetic). Ear deformities in children can be seen at a rate of 5-7%. These deformities include a wide scale from absence of ear to prominent ear.
PRE-SURGERY INFORMATION
In children born with prominent ears, if effective bandage is used within the first 3 months after birth, the deformity of the ear is easy to shape and the cartilages are soft, and the deformity improves 80-90% in early childhood without surgery. In cases that do not improve or are not intervened in early childhood, the age of operation is 6-7 years. The period before starting school is the appropriate time for surgery. Since the ear completes its development by 90% at the age of 4, interventions before the development is completed may be insufficient. Since the cartilage is shaped more easily during childhood, the risk of turning the ear back into scoop is higher in operations performed in adulthood.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURGERY
The operation is performed under general anesthesia in children, and local anesthesia and sedatives are performed in adults. It takes an average of 2 hours. With the incisions made behind the ear, the cartilage tissue is reached and the excess cartilage tissue is removed. Normal ear anatomy is tried to be reconstructed by folding the cartilages back with the help of sutures. The use of bandages after surgery is at least as important as surgery. The bandage should be used for at least 4 weeks without removing it.
RISKS
In the early period, hematoma, that is, blood collection, problems in wound healing, healing by swelling called keloid, re-scooping of the ear as a result of opening the stitches, asymmetry, cartilage infections can be seen. Appropriate treatment should be planned for the developing complication.
