What are the reasons for otoplasty

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is performed for several reasons, aiming to improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. The reasons for undergoing otoplasty include:

• Correcting deformities: This includes congenital deformities (conditions present from birth) such as microtia (underdeveloped ears), anotia (absence of the ear), and other shape abnormalities.
• Improving proportion: Ears that are too large or stick out prominently can be resized or reshaped to better match the size and shape of the head and face, improving facial harmony.
• Repairing injuries: Traumatic injuries or accidents that have altered the appearance of the ears can be corrected through reconstructive ear surgery.
• Boosting self-confidence: Many people choose otoplasty to address insecurities or discomfort related to the appearance of their ears, especially if they’ve experienced teasing or bullying.
• Correcting previous surgery: Sometimes, patients seek otoplasty to improve or correct the outcomes of previous ear surgeries.

Otoplasty can be performed at any age once the ears have reached full size, typically after the age of 5 or 6 years. The decision to undergo otoplasty is personal and can significantly impact an individual’s appearance and self-esteem.

Are ears that stick out genetic?

Yes, ears that stick out, also known as protruding ears, are often genetic. The trait can be inherited from one or both parents. The development of the ear’s shape, including its angle and size relative to the head, is influenced by genetic factors that are determined before birth. Protruding ears occur when the cartilage of the ear lacks the necessary folds or has excess cartilage at certain points, causing the ears to stick out more than usual. These characteristics can be passed down through families, indicating a genetic component to their occurrence. However, it’s also possible for protruding ears to arise sporadically, without a clear familial pattern, due to the complex nature of genetic inheritance and expression.

What ethnicity has big ears?

Ear size and shape can vary widely across individuals and within populations, and there’s a broad range of variability among all ethnic groups. It’s important to note that while certain physical characteristics, including ear size, can be more common in some ethnic groups due to genetic diversity, there’s no single ethnicity universally associated with “big ears.”

The perception of ear size as a distinguishing feature of any particular ethnic group is more likely to be influenced by societal norms and stereotypes rather than being a scientifically established fact. Genetic variation within any given population is significant, meaning that individuals from any ethnic background can have a wide range of ear sizes.

Studies on physical and genetic traits typically focus on understanding the diversity and distribution of these traits across populations without categorizing any particular feature as characteristic of a specific ethnicity. Moreover, attributing physical characteristics like ear size to specific ethnic groups can be overly simplistic and overlook the complex genetic and environmental factors that contribute to human diversity.

How rare are protruding ears?

Protruding ears, characterized by ears that stick out more than normal from the side of the head, are relatively common. The condition affects approximately 5% of the population in various degrees across different ethnicities and regions. The definition of what constitutes “protruding” can vary, but it is generally considered to be when the angle between the ear and the side of the head is greater than 35 degrees.

Protruding ears can occur in one or both ears and can result from genetic factors, developmental variations, or as a consequence of environmental influences during pregnancy. Despite being a common physical feature, the degree of protrusion and the individual’s perception of it can vary widely, leading some people to seek cosmetic or corrective surgery, such as otoplasty, for aesthetic or psychological reasons.

How successful are the results of otoplasty in Turkey?

In Turkey, otoplasty surgery is performed with advanced methods. Dr. Ali Mezdeği conducts his surgeries using a unique method known as the “Mezdeği Çapa Technique.” Initially, the ears are made to adhere closely to the skull. This actually serves as a preliminary step for the ears, which will slightly open up later.

This is anticipated, so an excessive tightening is performed. It takes about a month for the ears to reach their natural and normal form. After this period, even your social circle will not notice that you had surgery. In fact, aside from the doctor who performed the surgery, it is even difficult to notice the incision. The procedure is completed within an average of one hour. Staying in Istanbul for 4 days is sufficient. Afterwards, you can return to your country.

Update : 14.02.2024