Plastic surgery helps to fix the problem of protruding ears
Although everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, certain features can sometimes be too conspicuous, leading to lower self-esteem or even psychological discomfort. One such feature is protruding ears, which can be especially distressing for a child.
Simonas Kaupas, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Vilnius Kardiolita Clinics, reminds us that if a child is struggling with protruding ears, the first step is to talk to the child about it, avoid making hasty decisions, and adequately assess both the situation and the child’s emotional state. In cases of negative environmental influences, such as bullying, this feature can cause serious psychological and social problems. In such cases, ear surgery can significantly improve the situation.
The protrusion of the ear is usually caused by the overdevelopment of cartilage in the ear shell or the incomplete formation of cartilage in the preauricular region. This defect is typically hereditary, although there are instances where the ears are affected by trauma.
This feature does not change spontaneously and remains throughout life. The only way to restore the anatomy of the cartilage as much as possible is through surgery.
Surgery can only be performed once the ear has fully developed, which is why the youngest patients are typically 5-6 years old. The most common age for ear surgery is during the preschool years, to prevent the child from facing negative reactions from others when starting school. However, it is never too late to undergo the surgery, and it is often chosen by teenagers or adults.
