What to do if your ears stick out?

Ideal ears: anatomical norms

The formation of the ear in the prenatal state begins at the end of the first trimester.

The auricle appears completely towards the end of pregnancy. The shape of these body parts is individual for everyone.

According to statistics, every second baby appears with protruding ears. This can be corrected before the age of six months, as the cartilage is elastic.

Most often, unattractive ear shapes begin to be noticed during adolescence. Parents bring their children to a plastic surgeon to correct the mistakes of nature. But surgery in childhood is performed only if there are indications for it.

Doctors have their own standards of symmetry, from which they build when diagnosing protruding ears:

• the distance between the edge of the ear and the skull should not exceed 20 mm;
• the angle of inclination should not exceed 30 degrees;
• Ideally, the ears are parallel to the cheeks.

If the ears do not stick out according to norms, then correction is carried out. There are several methods that can radically change a person’s face.

Causes of protruding ears

At the moment, there are two main causes of protruding ears - heredity and congenital pathology. If we talk about protruding ears, the causes in most cases are hereditary. But do not think that if parents have ideally shaped ears, their child will also not have a similar defect. It can “inherit” them from grandparents and other relatives.

The second, no less common reason is the peculiarity of intrauterine development. Protruding ears are caused by a hypertrophied cartilaginous structure, flattened or underdeveloped antihelix. There are no other causes of a cosmetic defect. Prominent ears cannot develop due to various diseases or injuries. To date, there are no technologies or techniques to prevent the development of the defect.

Stages of protruding ears

Protruding ears, depending on the level of protrusion, are divided into 3 main stages:

1. First, the angle of departure of the auricle varies between 31-44°. The cosmetic defect is practically invisible to an outsider.
2. The second is that the angle of departure is 44-45°. The shortcoming is clearly visible.
3. The third is an angle of 90°, the defect immediately catches the eye.

In medicine, it is believed that the normal anatomical location of the auricle is 30° away from the head. How to get rid of: Protruding ears can be eliminated using two methods - surgical and conservative. The most effective method is an operation called otoplasty. It is best if surgical correction is performed in childhood, before reaching 7 years of age. The child’s body quickly recovers after the intervention, and the ears acquire a harmonious shape.

How to correct protruding ears if a person does not decide to undergo surgery and what to do if there are certain contraindications to surgery? There are special methods aimed at correcting protruding ears without surgery.

Degrees of protruding ears

The choice of surgical correction method also depends on the degree of development of the pathology. Prominent ears are classified into three degrees:

1. The first degree is characterized by the location of the ears at an angle of no more than 45 degrees. This defect is not clearly pronounced.
2. The second degree is pronounced. The angle between the ear and head can reach 90 degrees, and a pronounced protrusion of the hearing organ is noticeable.
3. The third degree is extremely pronounced. The angle is more than 90 degrees.

As a rule, in the first case, excess cartilage tissue is removed, in the second, the cartilage tissue of the antihelix is ​​thinned, and then surgical formation of the ear is carried out, in the third, excess tissue is removed, and an artificial antihelix is ​​created.

Symptoms

From a medical and aesthetic point of view, the ears should be close to the head, and the line of the auricle should be parallel to the cheek.
An otolaryngologist can confirm the presence of protruding ears. Such a defect is easy to determine yourself. If a problem is detected in a child, it is recommended to contact a specialist who will advise the most effective and safe method of solving it.

Sometimes aesthetic pathology is accompanied by deterioration of hearing, the appearance of acute pain and frequent otitis media.

The doctor prescribes a magnetic resonance examination and a series of tests to exclude chronic or infectious diseases.

Otoplasty

The most common and radical method of ear correction is plastic surgery. Woman.ru learned from Igor Bely, a surgeon, doctor of medical sciences and leading specialist at the Ottimo aesthetic surgery clinic , what types of this operation exist today. “Otoplasty can be reconstructive - to correct congenital defects, and it can be aesthetic - to correct the ugly size or shape of the ears. In each case, and taking into account the structural features of a particular person’s ears, the surgeon selects the necessary method of performing the operation, including the location of the incision,” says the doctor. You can reduce both the auricle itself and the angle formed by the ear and the surface of the head (in other words, correct protruding ears).

The head of the plastic surgery department of the Lapino Clinical Hospital and Candidate of Medical Sciences Denis Arkhipov told us about the mechanism of the intervention: “Plasty of the auricles consists of an incision behind the ear, cutting out part of the cartilage to change its shape and applying special sutures to form the required ear shape or position ear in relation to the head. The operation is usually performed from the age of six to seven years. Complications are possible, like any other operation, but the proven methodology and technology of the treatment process reduces the risks to minimal.”

Laser or scalpel?

The incision can be made in two ways - with a scalpel or laser. What are the advantages of each of these methods? “In 90% of cases, otoplasty is performed with a laser,” explains Igor Bely. “Therefore, we can say that laser otoplasty does not exist as a separate type. The laser is less traumatic than a scalpel and allows the procedure to be carried out faster, but it is not always effective in the case of a specific patient and the structural features of his ears.” Denis Arkhipov agrees with his colleague: “The method does not have any special advantages; each method has certain conditions and indications. Unfair advertising often calls laser otoplasty “non-surgical,” but this is not true.”

The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the age, psychological status, desire of the patient and the scope of the operation. The recovery period lasts about one week, but sometimes it is necessary to wear an ear bandage for longer.

Surgical treatment

Large protruding ears are relatively common. There are several ways to correct ear deformity. One of them is surgery. Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to change the size, position or proportion of the ears. The results of the surgery will vary depending on how the ears were originally and what the patient wants to achieve in the end.

The minimum age for ear reconstruction surgery is 5-6 years. Indications for surgical intervention are:

• too large or small size of the auricle;
• large earlobes;
• disproportionality;
• incorrect location;
• protruding ears;
• change in the shape and location of the ears due to injury.

Otoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. During surgery, the doctor adjusts the cartilage so that the ears bend in the correct position. The new shape is secured with a series of internal seams. As a rule, the incisions after surgery are invisible, as they are made on the back surface in a natural crease. The stitches that create the new ear shape do not dissolve and remain under the skin. The entire procedure usually takes 45 to 50 minutes per ear.

When considering surgical treatment options, there are some facts to keep in mind. Otoplasty is a purely cosmetic procedure. The surgery is designed to change the shape, size and position of the ear. Otoplasty is not intended to improve hearing ability. The risks of the operation are minimal, the physiological and psychological benefits greatly predominate.

How to get rid of protruding ears through surgery?

Surgical correction is the only completely effective way to get rid of a defect with a guaranteed result. The operation is called “otoplasty” and is performed from 6-7 years of age, including adults.

There are two methods of otoplasty – classic scalpel and laser. An incision about 4-5 cm long is made at the back of the ear. Through it, the cartilage is released, which is then trimmed and attached in a new place. When using a laser, manipulations are more precise and almost bloodless. After the operation, stitches, a bandage and an elastic bandage are applied. The procedure lasts about an hour under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

Indications

Elimination of the defect by surgical intervention is indicated in the following cases:

• irregular shape;
• before the age of seven it was not possible to correct the shape using a conservative method;
• if the angle between the ear and the back of the head increases;
• smoothness of the antihelix and the anterior part of the auricle;
• asymmetry;
• psychological discomfort;
• injuries or ruptures of the auditory organ.

Asymmetrical bob

A short and trendy mid-length hairstyle that combines soft elegance. This haircut will suit women with straight, wavy, thin or thick hair. Depending on the shape of the face, asymmetry may vary in one direction or the other.

How the operation goes: preparation, main stages

Correction can be performed through conventional or laser otoplasty.

After the consultation, when it has already been decided that the operation will be performed, diagnostic tests are prescribed, without receiving the results, the doctor will not be able to begin work.

Thus, the results of a general blood test, biochemical blood test, determination of blood group, screening of coagulation status, and necessarily HIV tests will be required. You will need to undergo an echocardiogram and fluorography.

Examination and planning involve photographing the ears, thinking through the future shape, position, etc., and only after this the date of surgical intervention is determined - surgery on the ears so that they do not stick out.

As noted above, the methods vary significantly, but the general principles (if we are talking about ordinary protruding ears) are as follows. First, an incision is made on the back of the ear, and the skin is separated from the cartilage, allowing access to the cartilage itself for correction. Next, if necessary, the position of the auricle is changed, for example, by securing the cartilage using absorbable sutures. Next, the cartilage is secured in its original position, excess tissue is removed, and sutures are applied.

Otoplasty in most cases lasts relatively short time and can take on average no more than 2 hours.

As for reconstructive plastic surgery, such manipulations take more time, and this is a rather complex process. Ears after reconstructive otoplasty:

Shift Back Method

Now to more specific, specific examples. The backward shift method is classic. Involves sterile processing of the operated area. A 2 cm incision is made on the back wall of the organ. The cartilage may be partially removed, or additional cartilage tissue taken from another part of the body may be used. They are formed in such a way that the auricle acquires the most aesthetic appearance. The stitches are small.

Laser otoplasty

Unlike conservative surgical methods, this type of otoplasty is performed using a laser beam. So, the operation has a number of advantages, including:

1. During the manipulation itself, bleeding is minimized.
2. Short recovery period.
3. Low risk of postoperative complications, inflammatory processes, suppuration.
4. Excellent aesthetic effect - scars are less pronounced.

Suture and seamless technique for correcting antihelix

How is suture otoplasty performed? The point is to apply a suture to artificially restore the antihelix or by modifying the cartilage. In this case, it is permissible to combine both technologies.

An incision is made on the back of the cartilage - this is a suture technique. Several sutures are placed to form the antihelix fold. In this case, the front wall is not affected. To avoid corrugation, horizontal seams are located close. A possible complication is deformation of the cartilage and upper part of the ear.

As for the seamless technique, based on the name, you can understand that when corrugating cartilage, no sutures are applied. The technique consists of making an incision behind the organ and administering special injections, which leads to the destruction of cartilage. This, in turn, causes the structures to take the correct position.

Alternative Methods

In our country today there are no operations that constitute an alternative to otoplasty, but in the West they exist. “The method of ear correction using gold clips is beginning to become widespread abroad. They are placed under the skin on the cartilage,” says Igor Bely. — This method is less traumatic compared to conventional otoplasty, but also more expensive. It is not yet certified in Russia.”

Ear correctors: pros and cons

While overseas methods of correcting the structure of the ear have not reached us, many do not dare to undergo plastic surgery, even despite its relative safety, and resort to non-invasive methods of correcting the auricle. Yes, yes, there are those too! The device is called “ear correctors”, and we wonder why they still don’t compete with posture correctors and weight loss corsets on Instagram.

Hairstyle with closed ears for short hair

It should be borne in mind that such haircuts quickly lose their shape as the strands grow. It is necessary to constantly maintain the desired length and after each wash, if necessary, style it.

Kare

The most popular and versatile haircut for short hair for every day. The square has various variations:

• classic;
• elongated;
• on a leg;
• With a bang;
• without bangs;
• cascade;
• asymmetrical,
• graduated.

The bob cut became popular in the 1920s

The bob is suitable for any hair type if you choose the right shape

Bean

Bob is perfect for those with thick, straight hair. A haircut can also be done on curly hair, but you will have to constantly style it. Strands cut into a bob beautifully frame the face and open the neck due to the long length in the front and the shortened line in the back.

This option is suitable for both young and mature ladies

Sesson

Cesson is usually preferred by girls and women who do not have time for styling. This haircut can be as long as your earlobe or as long as your shoulder. It differs from other options in that the session does not require special care.

This hairstyle gives expressiveness to your facial features.

Page

This haircut option is suitable for lovers of retro looks. It is always chosen by brave, self-confident individuals. The page haircut is practical and easy to maintain, but it is not suitable for all types of faces.

Smooth bangs belong to the traditional hairstyle model

Cascade

A cascade haircut can be done on the basis of any short hairstyle. The advantage of this option is the ability to select the length of the strands to suit a specific face shape.

With short hair, the cascade looks bright and impressive. Owners of curly hair may not devote much time to styling their hair, since slight natural negligence is only beneficial.

The haircut is not recommended for coarse and thick hair.

How to choose a correction method

To understand how to get rid of protruding ears, you need to carefully study your problem. Correction methods depend on the following factors:

• degree of severity of the defect (there are 3 in total);
• age;
• desired result.

It is worth noting right away that ear correction without surgery may not give the expected result or be completely useless in some situations. However, do not despair, in most cases this problem can be skillfully disguised, for example, with the help of a hairstyle.

Correcting a defect without surgery

How to get rid of protruding ears without surgery? The non-surgical method is also quite effective if used regularly. Today the pharmacological market offers a lot of ways:

1. Corrector Arilis (Russian-Finnish production) is an effective correction of protruding ears in children and adults. The corrector is made of silicone and allows you to get rid of imperfections at any age, but the period of wearing it is quite long. For children - several months, for adults it is calculated in years. In this case, the corrector must be replaced every 10 days.
2. The corrector Otostik (Spanish production) will help you get rid of protruding ears - it is available in two series, for adults and children aged 3 months and older. The silicone product completely follows the anatomical shape of the auricle; it is attached to the head using a special hypoallergenic glue, which is also included in the kit.
3. The Oto-plastic corrector is an analogue of the previous product with the same principle of use. Produced in two lines - for men and women. The product is attached to the ear for 2 days, after which it requires replacement.

Regularly wearing a corrector in childhood can completely eliminate protruding ears; in adults, it can make the cosmetic defect as invisible as possible. The main function of a corrector for adults is to make protruding ears visually invisible and allow a person to lead a normal, fulfilling lifestyle. The corrector can be worn for 7 days, after which it must be replaced with a new one.

Correctors for protruding ears

Nowadays, many correctors are offered to get rid of protruding ears. They all have a similar design and a similar principle of operation. The accessory consists of two transparent silicone parts that are fastened together and are invisible when worn. All brands of products work the same. The slight differences are in the attachment method and wearing comfort. A separate corrector is glued to the skin of the ear with a special hypoallergenic glue, and the other part is glued to the head. When fastened together, the two parts of the corrector give the ear the correct shape, pressing it to the temples. After some time, the cartilage takes on the desired position, and you no longer need to wear a corrector.

Types of correctors

The main conservative methods include:

• Ear bandage . It is used in early infancy, when all the cartilage is still soft, elastic and subject to changes. Minor protruding ears can be corrected by an ordinary cap or cap. Some mothers use a scarf or bandage. In a newborn child, bandages on the ears can also be used to prevent protruding ears.

• Correctors Arilis . The product is suitable for children and adults. According to the manufacturer, it will allow you to get rid of protruding ears at any age, the main thing is to wear the correctors for a sufficient period of time. The company’s official website states: “In children from birth, significant results are noticeable after just 3 months of wearing ear correctors. In an adult, due to the fact that the ear cartilage is already formed and more rigid than in a child, changes occur after 2 years of continuous wearing of correctors.” The cost of the products is: 4 pieces - 950 rubles, 10 pieces - 1690 rubles.

Short haircuts

Classic bob of any length

creates a smooth oval around the head. The widest part of the hairstyle is made at the same level as the ears, reliably hiding them, like the girls in the photo.

Beanie bob

or
a semi-long asymmetrical bob
will not only hide your ears, but will also create a stylish look. The main thing is that the length of the haircut covers at least half of the ear. Styling a bob is quite simple. All you need to do is spend a few minutes in the morning, and you will no longer have to worry about your hair losing its shape throughout the day.

Cascading haircuts

also suitable for girls who want to hide imperfections and become perfect, like the model in the photo.

When choosing a haircut, give preference to options in which strands of the temporal part of the hair can be combed towards the cheekbones.

Light bouffant above the ears

It will also help create volume in the part of the head that needs to be hidden.

If the problem is so big that you still can’t hide your ears using the methods described above, then you can try to give your hair additional volume by using curls and curled curls. To do this, you will have to regularly use curlers, an iron or a curling iron. A perm will help simplify hair styling in this way. Using a hairstyle like the girl in the photo, imperfect ears will be guaranteed to be veiled.

At what age is correction of protruding ears recommended?

Surgical correction is usually recommended after five years. By this age, the ears will be practically formed, although they will continue to grow. Excision of excess cartilage with a scalpel can be performed on a child no earlier than six years of age, and preferably after eight years. If the deformation is significant, then it is better to correct it before school to avoid problems with the child’s socialization. Home and other non-surgical methods can be tried at any age.

We correct ears for children under six months old

If a baby's ears stick out, how to correct the situation without surgery must be decided very quickly. Up to 6 months, the cartilage is still very plastic and can be corrected. Then your child may not even know that after birth he had aesthetic defects.

Silicone ear pads are made especially for the smallest toddlers. They allow you to fix the sinks in the correct position and, with constant use for six months, can completely eliminate the problem.

Advantages:

• do not cause discomfort to the baby;
• easy to use;
• give good results;
• do not cause allergies or irritation.

Some parents try to glue their babies' ears to their heads with adhesive tape because they think this will help eliminate the defect. The result can indeed be positive, but such methods can also have side effects, for example:

• curvature of the auricle;
• hearing impairment;
• irritation of delicate skin.

From this it follows that correction of protruding ears without surgery should be carried out only with the help of certified means. Common household items can harm a child.

Elimination of defects for children under 7 years of age

When the auricle becomes less flexible, correction of protruding ears without surgery is much more difficult and requires the use of special equalizers.
You can find such devices from Spanish manufacturers, they are called Otostick. Also on the market is a similar product “Aralis”. They were developed by Russian and Finnish doctors. The correctors are almost identical, you can choose the one that will be more affordable for you. The device in the form of a silicone equalizer is treated with a special hypoallergenic glue, and it is on this that we will “plant” the protruding ears.

Small transparent plates are attached to the head and the ears are pressed against them. The principle of their operation is similar to double-sided tape. They are suitable for children from 3 months, there is also a series for adults. The only difference is that children can still get rid of the defect to some extent, but after 7 years, equalizers can only mask the problem.

Advantages of use:

• noticeable result;
• hypoallergenic materials;
• long period of use (1 pair can be worn for 7 days, sometimes it lasts longer);
• invisibility to others;
• versatility, you can wear them in the pool, wash your hair with them, or take a shower.

Flaws:

• quite high cost - 1 set will cost you from several thousand rubles;
• impossibility of correcting defects 100%.

Ear correction for adults

If you have protruding ears, you have probably wondered more than once how to get rid of this problem without surgery. After 7 years, the ear cartilages are fully formed, which is why doctors allow otoplasty to be performed at this age. Without surgery, it will not be possible to completely eliminate the defect. You can constantly walk around in baseball caps and headbands, put on a hat that fits tightly to your head at night, but this will not give any results.

In adults, protruding ears can only be masked; it cannot be eliminated by any conservative methods.

For this you can use:

• ear correctors;
• hats and accessories;
• voluminous hairstyles.

Important! If you experience discomfort, pain or tightness when wearing a hat or accessory that covers your ears for long periods of time, do not continue to do so. Poor circulation can lead to serious health problems.

Celebrities with protruding ears

Protruding ears always give rise to doubts in girls about their own attractiveness. You shouldn’t make a complex out of this problem, because many celebrities have this feature. Sophie Marceau, Kristen Stewart, Kate Hudson, Liv Tyler, Alexa Chung are some famous beauties who are not ashamed of themselves. A little imagination, the help of a hairdresser, and no one will notice your ears.

You can take the example of stars and models who are not ashamed of themselves, and turn a small flaw into a highlight.

This is not a reason to be upset if you have flaws in the form of large or protruding ears, you just need to choose the right hairstyles for medium hair to cover your ears. The advantage of such styling is that, if chosen correctly, they will hide existing imperfections and emphasize natural beauty. All possible hairstyles that hide the ears will be discussed in this article.