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?
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 performed 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 this operation?
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
Cartilaginous
or skin necrosis, development of allergy through plastic or bandages used
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.
Unwanted cosmetic result, which improves with
time: the ear can return to its original shape (5-8%), it can lean back too far
or the appearance of the "telephone ear" can 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.
