What are sail ears?

This indicates the condition of the ears, which appear as a result of the enlargement of the angle of the auricle with the skull, which projecting forward. Normally, the angle between the pinna and the scalp is 21 degrees for women and 25 degrees for men. In other words, the distance between the ear edge and the skull is 1.5-2 cm. As the distance increases, the appearance of ear deformity becomes more pronounced. 5% of the population suffers from this deformity (that means every twentieth). In Eastern culture, this is considered a sign of "wisdom" or "happiness," while in Western culture it tends to have negative, social implications. While the size of the pinna or the different shape of the earlobe is generally not a problem, the protruding pinna causes psychological problems. During school, it becomes a bullying issue, affecting the success of the course, and can lead to serious consequences that can lead to social life and business failure at an advanced age. Therefore, sail-eared deformity should be treated as early as possible.

When and how are sail ears treated?

Normally, the angle between the pinna and the scalp is 21 degrees for women and 25 degrees for men. In other words, the distance between the ear edge and the skull is 1.5-2 cm. As the distance increases, the appearance of ear deformity becomes more pronounced.

After the birth the development of the ear completes with the 6th-7th year of life. Therefore, it is better to have the child treated shortly before the beginning of school in order to avoid negative and psychological effects in advance. If necessary, it can be performed from the age of six at any age.

Sail-ear surgery is usually done in Izmir under local anesthesia and lasts 30-90 minutes depending on the level of difficulty. During surgery, one or more cartilage removal, cartilage pulling and shaping techniques are used together to return the auricle to its normal aesthetic posture. Since the procedure takes place behind the ear, no scar is visible from the outside. At the end of the operation, ears are banded and pressure maintained with an elastic bandage that must be worn continuously for at least 2 weeks for 24 hours. Between the second to the fourth week, the elastic bandage should only be worn at night, which will be sufficient. During this time you should not lie on your ears and you should protect yourself from hard knocks.

What are the complications of surgery?

In cosmetic earmould surgery, patient satisfaction is over 95%. Complications can be summarized as follows:

Early onset of severe pain: may be due to a hematoma, infection or ear fold under the dressing

Hematoma: Blood collection under the skin (1-3%)

Infection (1-5%)

Granuloma through the sutures or subcutaneous sutures

Cartilage or skin necrosis

Allergy development through used plastics or bandages

Development of a hypertrophic scar or keloid at the wound site (healing during the swelling of the wound)

Hypesthesia: A diminished sensation in the ear due to nerve damage. Can improve over time.

Unwanted cosmetic result: the ear can return to its original shape (5-8%), it may lean too far back or the appearance of the "telephone ear" may occur. These results are corrected by a second intervention.

The reshaped ear will never look the same as the previous ear. However, the ear is adjusted as close as possible to the normal appearance, which is also quite satisfactory. The expectation of a perfect result can lead to frustration. Your doctor will give you all the necessary information about the practice of ear canal surgery.