PROMINENT EAR SURGERY (AUTOPLASTY)
The distance of the ear to the base of the skull and its angles may vary. When the folds of the ear are blurry and are far away from the base of the head, it is called 'protruding ear'. This condition, which does not cause any medical problems, can lead to psychological trauma, especially in childhood. Prominent ear surgery is a surgery performed to reshape the ear. Since ear development is largely completed around the age of six, correction is performed especially after this age. Another reason why these surgeries are performed starting from the age of six is to keep the child away from psychological trauma, especially in primary school age. Although prominent ear surgeries can be performed from the age of six, there is usually no obstacle to the surgery if a doctor is consulted at an older age. When this surgery is performed on adults, aspirin and blood thinners should not be used for 10 days before the surgery. In addition, if the patient has any significant illnesses in his/her history and any medications he/she uses regularly, the doctor should be informed.
There are a variety of surgical techniques available to correct congenitally protruding ears. Technical details regarding prominent ear surgery are discussed in advance and the method that suits the person's expectations is selected among different techniques. After routine blood tests and examinations are performed before the surgery, the surgery begins. The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation (following the child being calmed and the surgical area anesthetized). General anesthesia is not preferred in surgeries performed at older ages; sedation and local Anesthesia is prioritized. If the surgery is performed under sedation and local anesthesia, hospitalization is not required.
The surgery is usually performed through an incision behind the ear. By shaping the cartilage, the angle and distance between the skull base and the ear are adjusted. Again, after the incision behind the ear is closed (with stitches that do not need to be removed), a covering and slightly compressive dressing is applied. It is not desirable to lie on the ear for the first week after the procedure. Starting from the second week, you can sleep with a soft pillow. The head should be elevated with pillows to a height of approximately 30 degrees. It is natural to feel tension and pressure in the first two days. Starting from the third day, this feeling of pressure and tension begins to decrease. 4th-5th week following surgery. When the dressing is first removed, the ears may be slightly edematous, turning yellow and purple.
From the day the dressing is removed, the surgical area can be washed and moisturizing cream can be applied to the entire ear. A tennis band that will prevent the ear from curling continues to be worn at night for two weeks. In the first weeks, occasional throbbing pain and some swelling in the tissue are common. These decrease day by day. Numbness and sensitivity begin to disappear. Edema in the ear decreases over successive weeks. The folds appear better and gradually take their final shape. In the first weeks, it is necessary to avoid trauma, sunlight, sauna and solarium. Increasing and throbbing pain in the first days after surgery, leakage and bleeding from the surgery area are situations that require contact with your doctor. In this case, you will be checked and if necessary, your dressing will be changed and your medications will be rearranged.
ESTIMATE DURATION OF THE PROCESS
Processing time varies between 1-3 hours. Additionally, this period may be extended due to complications that may occur during the operation.
CRITICAL LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
Surgery Afterwards, follow your doctor's advice and do not skip your recommended check-ups. Daily dressing is required in the first 3 days. Heavy sports and exercise should be avoided for approximately 6 weeks (duration may vary after control evaluations). Humid and hot environments such as Turkish baths and saunas should be avoided. Apply externally for about 8 weeks, similar to a tennis bandage that is not too tight. Medical equipment should be used to support the ear. Sleeping on the ear should not be done for approximately 3 days. If your doctor makes a recommendation after evaluating you, you can lie on it. Your doctor will tell you when to take a shower You will be notified during the checks. Your ear Trauma should be avoided. Every what until Even if the surgical procedure is successful, you will protect your ear from trauma If you don't protect scooping will repeat.