In today’s culture, appearance plays a significant role in self-esteem and confidence. Many individuals seek cosmetic solutions to enhance their features and improve their overall appearance. One common concern for many people is protruding ears, often referred to as “bat ears.” This condition can significantly affect self-esteem and appearance, making it a pressing issue for those affected.
Summary
Protruding ears can arise due to a medical condition or inherited genetic traits, often leading to cosmetic concerns. Although ears that stick out typically do not cause physical health problems, the mental and emotional stress from this condition can be substantial, especially for younger patients and teenagers.
This article provides an in-depth review of the medical and cosmetic concerns of protruding ears, when surgical intervention is appropriate, the methods of cosmetic surgical procedures for correction, the impact of protruding ears in popular culture, common but dangerous remedies to avoid, and tips to follow before proceeding with a plan to correct protruding ears.
Overview
Easily recognizable by sight, protruding ears stand out from normally positioned ears, which lie flat against the skull. This condition is noticeable in babies, children, and adults. Although protruding ears are quite common, the trait itself is considered aesthetically undesirable and can cause severe psychological distress, bullying, and other negative consequences for those affected.
From a medical standpoint, protruding ears are harmless and unlikely to cause physical distress, pain, hearing loss, or other medical issues. The condition is purely cosmetic. Even so, protruding ears are considered to be one of the most common congenital deformities of the head and neck area affecting young people and are usually apparent at birth.
Individuals with this condition often develop poor self-esteem, low confidence, emotional pain, and other negative symptoms. Fortunately, cosmetic procedures are available that can improve the appearance of protruding ears and eliminate the pain and suffering associated with this condition.
The Specifics
Terminology: The Definition of Protruding Ears
Defining a “bat ear” and differentiating it from a normally positioned ear can be complex. There is no official consensus on the definition of a protruding ear and its characteristics. Surgeons must evaluate each patient individually and use their professional expertise to determine what constitutes a normal ear fold and a “prominent” one. Factors include the specific measurement of the cartilage behind the ear (the antihelical ear fold), the measurements from the upper and lower ear flaps to the skull, the surgeon’s opinion about the patient’s protrusion measurements, and the patient’s feelings about their appearance.
Another important factor in evaluating protruding ears is gender. Most experts agree that the measurements qualifying for excessive ear protrusion differ greatly between the sexes. Studies have shown that ear measurements for males and females are different. In males, protrusion is considered prominent when the distance between the upper ear and the skull exceeds 21-21.5 mm., or the lower protrusion measurement exceeds 20.0 mm. In females, prominent protrusion is measured by exceeding 17.5 mm for the upper ear or the lower protrusion exceeding 15.5 mm.
For older children and adults with excessively protruding ears, cosmetic intervention is the only verified treatment for adequate correction. Two procedures are recommended for fixing protruding “bat” ears: otoplasty and Earfold® surgery.
How to Fix Ears That Stick Out: Otoplasty & Ear Pinning Procedures
The ear is a delicate part of the body, comprising multiple external and internal parts, including the antihelical fold (conchal bowl), which is the cartilage connecting the ear to the skull. Due to the delicate nature of this skin, especially in newborns and infants, the correction method should be gentle in handling both soft and hardened cartilage.
Infants can benefit from non-surgical correction methods within the first few months after birth. However, beyond a certain point, the cartilage of a child’s ear begins to harden, making non-surgical methods less effective and increasing the likelihood of requiring surgical correction such as:
Otoplasty: Also known as ear pinning, this procedure permanently moves the protruding ears closer to the side of the head. It can also reduce the size of the ear and correct the angle of the ear’s protrusion. This surgery is popular and common for all ages, from small children to adults.
Earfold®: This relatively new procedure is an alternative to otoplasty. Designed to be minimally invasive, it involves inserting a small implant made of nitinol (nickel-titanium alloy) to correct the protruding ear. The implant bends the ear to the patient’s desired angle without cutting into or removing the cartilage.
Non-Surgical Options, Unverified Solutions, and Dangerous Remedies
In children and babies, significant results can be achieved by applying an ear splint to position the undeveloped antihelical fold into place as the cartilage forms. This method is most effective in infants with soft, pliable cartilage. It is not effective for older children and adults whose cartilage has already hardened.
There are no approved DIY treatments or home remedies for improving the appearance of bat ears without professional assistance. However, some unverified and dangerous methods have been widely used, claiming to fix “bat ears” at home without medical help.
A dangerous and ineffective solution is using ear glue to glue the ears into place. While not always risky, this method has been known to be inefficient and can lead to dangerous results. In one case, a boy applied superglue to the skin behind the ears, resulting in severely irritated skin. While several brands of ear glue exist, the results are usually not ideal, and applications, even if safe on the skin, are temporary and difficult to maintain.
Another dangerous solution is pinning the ears to the skull with a sewing needle and thread. This method is painful, carries a high risk of infection, and can result in severe ear deformities.
Protruding Ears in Pop Culture
Protruding ears have played a significant role in pop culture, from the MAD magazine kid to various cartoon characters. Celebrities are no different in this matter. Some of the most popular and attractive celebrities have protruding ears or have had them corrected. Notable examples include former president Barack Obama, Will Smith, Stephen Colbert, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, and Emma Watson. Celebrities rumored to have had surgery to correct protruding ears include actors Ben Stiller and Brad Pitt.
Pop culture shows that unique qualities like protruding ears, a large nose, or a prominent rear end can help celebrities and individuals stand out positively. Many people can embrace “defective” or undesirable qualities and turn them into positive features, while others prefer to change them with plastic surgery. The decision to alter one’s appearance is personal and should be made carefully, with a doctor’s guidance to evaluate the available options.
Consultation Tips
Before your consultation, consider asking your doctor the following questions:
- Which procedure is right for me?
- How do I prepare for the procedure?
- What is recovery like?
- Are there side effects?
Additionally, address any other concerns you may have about your surgery and share your complete medical history with your doctor. Ensure your physician is a board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience performing the procedure you desire.
The Takeaway
Conclusion
Whether you choose otoplasty or the Earfold® procedure, solutions are available to improve your quality of life and well-being. By opting for cosmetic correction to fix protruding “bat ears,” you can enhance your confidence and lifestyle with a more attractive appearance.
Selecting the right plastic surgeon is crucial in achieving these benefits. The ideal plastic surgeon is board-certified and recognized by an organization like the American Society of Plastic Surgery. They should understand and support your goals, and be well-qualified to perform the procedure to deliver the desired results.
