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Protruding ears, where the ear sticks out more than 30 degrees from the head, can be concealed with hair, but many people opt for surgery to correct them. The best time for surgery is after the age of 7, as the cartilage is about 90% formed by then. However, adults can also undergo the procedure.
The goal of the surgery is to correct the protrusion, achieve a natural ear shape, and improve self-confidence, which is especially important for children who might face teasing at school.
Notably, celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna, Ben Stiller, and Brad Pitt have had ear corrections, while Will Smith and comedian Rowan Atkinson have not. Therefore, consultations with both parents and the child are essential when considering surgery at a younger age.
Otoplasty: Surgery and Postoperative Care
Ear surgery is a common procedure, taking about half an hour, performed under local anesthesia and sometimes with intravenous sedation. Patients typically leave the clinic shortly after the surgery.
Postoperative discomfort is minimal, with no need for painkillers. The main annoyance is itching under the bandages, but this only lasts a few days, allowing patients to gradually return to their daily activities.
Given that protruding ears affect 5% of people and can cause psychological distress, and that the results of the surgery are permanent, we recommend correcting protruding ears as early as possible once the child over 7 years old expresses discomfort.
Other Ear Surgeries
In addition to otoplasty, which is the most common intervention, ear reconstruction following injury is sometimes necessary, a more complex procedure than otoplasty.
Furthermore, there are cases where only specific details of the ear need correction, such as:
- Split earlobe (congenital or injury-induced)
- “Elf ear” deformity (sharp and pointed upper ear)
- Earlobe fused to the jawbone (congenital or due to a poorly done facelift)
- Enlarged and drooping earlobes – common in older people, referred to as “earlobe rejuvenation”
- Earlobe reconstruction – a minor surgery often sought by women with overly stretched earlobes due to heavy earrings. This short procedure is done under local anesthesia, with stitches removed after a few days. Post-recovery, patients will need to re-pierce their ears if they wish to wear earrings again.
