Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Introduction to Otoplasty

Prominent ears are ears that stick out from the face. They draw unwanted attention and negative social scrutiny. Prominent ears also contribute to a perception of a lack of sophistication and the reduced level of intelligence. Prominent ears are generally noted when one is a child. And this condition can be treated surgically starting at the age of five. However many children do not undergo correction of prominent ears and this can result in significant negative social consequences and shyness. These experiences may persist into adulthood leading to less confidence and decreased satisfaction with social interactions. It is not infrequent that an adult who has managed with prominent ears from childhood and into adulthood ultimately decides to undergo correction of this anomaly.

At its heart, the problem of prominent ears is one of cartilage excess, cartilage shaped abnormality, and cartilage malposition. The cartilage excess exists in the central bowl-like structure known as the concha. The cartilage shape abnormalities are mostly confined to the folded structures known as the antihelical fold. Finally, the two preceding entities (excess and abnormal shape) contribute to cartilage position abnormalities where by the helical rim, the concha, and the lobule all project outward from the side of the head more than then the normal dimensions, thus resulting in noticeable prominence.