Understanding Prominent Ear: External Auditory Canal and Pinna
Prominent Ears: What to Look For:
- Prominent ears are those that stand out more than usual. It’s noticeable when there’s a distance of more than 15-20 mm between the scalp and the outer ear.
Measuring the Angle:
- The angle between the outer ear and the scalp plays a role. In prominent ears, this angle is more than 25-30 degrees.
Structural Factors:
- The superior crus, a part of the ear’s structure, may be less developed or absent in prominent ears, contributing to their distinctive appearance.
Role of Concha and Cartilage:
- A deep concha or robust cartilage in the ear can influence the angle, adding to the prominence of the ears.
Treatment for Prominent Ears: Enhancing Natural Appearance
Incision in Postauricular Fold:
- In treating prominent ears, a small incision made in the postauricular fold behind the ear, ensuring that scars are not easily visible.
Addressing Increased Angle:
- If there’s an increased angle between the outer ear and scalp, stitches are strategically placed between the cartilage and periosteum to reduce this angle.
Managing Superior Crus Issues:
- Problems in the superior crus, a part of the ear structure, can be addressed through careful stitching to achieve a more balanced and natural appearance.
Recreating Folds with Sutures:
- Sutures are used to recreate natural folds in the ear, ensuring that the treated ear looks harmonious with the overall facial features.
Adjusting Concha Cartilage if Necessary:
- In some cases, the concha cartilage may be shaved off to achieve the desired contour, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Recovery
Post-Surgery Care for Prominent Ears: A Simple Guide
Bandages and Initial Days:
- Following surgery, some individuals opt to wear bandages—either with stitches that eventually removed or with absorbable stitches that dissolve over time.
Bandage Removal:
- On the first day, a bandage applied, and it removed 2-3 days after the surgery. Following this, additional bandages may not be necessary.
Ointment Application:
- An ointment prescribed for use behind the ears, promoting proper healing and minimizing discomfort.
Post-3 Days: Bathing Allowed:
- Three days after the surgery, you can take a bath. If stitches are present, they are typically removed 7-10 days after the surgery.
Minimal Post-Stitch Care:
- After stitch removal, minimal additional care usually required. The results are permanent, providing a lasting solution to prominent ears.
