Protruding ears
back to main page
Protruding ears are a congenital or, less commonly, acquired anatomical feature of the auricles, characterized by excessive distance from the skull or improper shaping of the cartilage structures. This condition does not affect hearing function, but it can be a significant aesthetic and psychosocial issue, particularly for children and adolescents. It most commonly affects both ears and becomes apparent in infancy when the auricle reaches most of its target size. Modern medicine offers effective methods for correcting protruding ears, including both surgical procedures and, in certain cases, minimally invasive techniques. The choice of method depends on the patient's age, the anatomical structure of the ear, and the desired outcome.
Protruding Ears – Causes
Causes of protruding ears are primarily related to the anatomical structure of the auricular cartilage and are congenital in nature. The most common mechanisms include:
- Underdevelopment of the antihelix – the lack or poor formation of the natural fold causes the auricle to "straighten" and protrude.
- Hypertrophy of the auricular concha – excessive depth of the concha pushes the ear forward.
- Incorrect cranio-auricular angle – physiologically it is approximately 20–30°, and its increase leads to visibly protruding ears.
- Asymmetry of cartilage structures – one ear may be more protruding or differently shaped.
Genetic factors play a significant role – this trait often occurs in families. Less commonly, protruding ears may result from injuries, developmental cartilaginous disorders, or complications from inflammatory conditions. Contrary to popular belief, a child's sleeping position or wearing hats does not significantly influence the development of this feature.
Protruding Ears - Treatment
The treatment of protruding ears is cosmetic in nature and is aimed at permanently correcting the shape and position of the auricles. Surgical treatment remains the method with documented effectiveness, however, in certain situations, other strategies are also applied.
In infants, during the first weeks of life when the cartilage is still amenable to molding (due to high levels of maternal estrogens), it is possible to:
- use special systems for shaping the auricle,
- gently form the shape of the ear over several weeks.
This method is ineffective in older children and adults.
Otoplasty is the standard procedure for correcting protruding ears. It involves surgically shaping the cartilage and bringing the auricle closer to the skull. Depending on the ear's anatomy, the following are applied:
- shaping the antihelix using permanent sutures,
- reduction or repositioning of the conchal cartilage,
- combined techniques, individually tailored to the patient.
The procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia (also general anesthesia in children), and the incision is made in the postauricular groove, which limits the visibility of scars.
- permanent correction of ear shape,
- improved facial proportions,
- high level of patient satisfaction,
- no impact on hearing.
Complications are rare and include hematoma, infection, or partial recurrence of the protrusion.
Protruding ears – how much does the procedure cost
The cost of treating protruding ears depends on several key factors and should not be considered solely in terms of the procedure's price. The final cost is influenced by:
- the scope of correction (unilateral or bilateral),
- the degree of anatomical complexity of the auricle,
- the surgical technique used,
- the type of anesthesia,
- the operator's experience and the standard of perioperative care.
The price usually includes a qualifying consultation, the procedure itself, dressings, and follow-up visits. In children and adolescents, correction is often performed earlier for psychological reasons, but from a medical standpoint, it can be conducted after the intensive growth of the auricle is complete (usually after the age of 5-6). It should be emphasized that this is an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance when performed solely for aesthetic reasons.
Procedures for protruding ears
The procedures used in the correction of protruding ears primarily include surgical interventions with documented effectiveness:
- Classical Otoplasty
Surgical reshaping of the auricular cartilage through a posterior approach, allowing for permanent correction of the ear's position and shape. - Suture Techniques Otoplasty
Utilization of permanent sutures to recreate the normal antihelix and reduce the protrusion angle. - Correction of Auricular Asymmetry
Individually planned procedures to correct differences in the shape and position of the ears.
Minimally invasive and "non-surgical" methods advertised as alternatives to otoplasty do not have lasting effectiveness in adult patients and are not considered a standard medical approach. From a scientific perspective, only surgical correction of the cartilage allows for a stable, long-term aesthetic result.
