While the ears with a normal size and anatomy do not capture attention, deformed ears immediately become a point of interest at first glance.

While the ears with a normal size and anatomy do not capture attention, deformed ears immediately become a point of interest at first glance.

Although there are numerous disorders about the ear anatomy and development, the most common external ear deformity is the angle disproportion which is called “prominent ear”. Normally, the angle between the ear cartilage axis and the skull is between 20 – 30 degrees. On the other hand, the ear has an internal flexion angle of 90 degrees. If one or both of these angles are wider than normal, the ear seems more pronounced from both back and front. This is the basis of prominent ear deformity.

Correction of prominent ears is done by surgically restoring these angles to ideal. To do this, an incision is made to the posterior aspect of the ear, and permanent sutures are placed between the skull and ear cartilage. These sutures secure the cartilage to its new position, and the tissues stick to each other. This operation is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, and generally does not demand hospital stay. It can be performed after 7 years of age. The operation site is protected with external bands for the following three weeks.