Why Do My Ears Stick Out So Much?

Why do my ears stick out so much?

Protruding ears are often the result of an inherited trait or condition that causes ears to stick out. This affects about 2% of the population and can cause embarrassment and discomfort to some. It can occur to just one ear or both, causing your face and ears to look disproportionate. Most people who struggle with ears sticking out too far begin developing them just a few months after birth. The issue may stay the same or worsen as they age.

Ears that stick out don’t cause everyone to be self-conscious, but many adults and children struggle with embarrassment regarding protruding ears. Kids, in particular, may be teased about their ears and adults may try to hide their ears using hats or trying different hairstyles. There is, however, a surgical procedure that can address protruding ears known as an otoplasty by correcting asymmetry, reducing the size, and reshaping the ears.

What Causes Protruding Ears?

Reasons such as genetics, birth defects, and trauma, are some causes of uneven ears or ears that protrude far from the head. Additionally, your anatomy may cause your ears to stick out as well due to the following factors:

• A Weak Outer Ear Edge: The anti-helical fold is found just inside the top of your ear near the outer edge. If this fold is weak, it can cause your ears to stick out.

• The Shape and Size of the Top Ear “Bowl:” The upper, round part of your ear that takes the shape of a bowl is known as the conchal bowl. When this part of your ear is larger than average your ears appear bigger and protrude more.
  
• The Angle of Your Ear on the Side of Your Head: This is called an increased concho-scaphal angle. When it’s a small angle, the ears stay close to the head, but a wider angle causes ears to stick out further than average

What is an Otoplasty?

Also known as ear “setback” or “pinning,” Otoplasty is a type of ear surgery that fixes uneven ears or protruding ears. change the shape, position or size of the ears. You might choose to have otoplasty if you’re bothered by how far your ears stick out from your head. You might also consider otoplasty if your ear or ears are misshapen due to an injury or birth defect. Otoplasty is typically done on both ears to optimize symmetry.

Otoplasty can be done at any age after the ears have reached their full size — usually after age 5 — through adulthood. As it is easier to accomplish this procedure while cartilage is still forming and is easier to mold it is often performed on kids between the ages of four and 14. In some cases, the surgery is done as early as age 3.

What to Expect

This procedure is carried out with local anesthesia for adults and general anesthesia for children and takes approximately 1 hour.

Otoplasty techniques vary based on what kind of correction is needed. The specific technique your plastic surgeon chooses will determine the location of the incisions and the resulting scars.

Your doctor might make incisions:

• On the backs of your ears
• Within the inner creases of your ears

After making incisions, your doctor might remove excess cartilage and skin. The surgeon will then fold the cartilage into the proper position and secure it with internal stitches. Additional stitches will be used to close the incisions.

After Otoplasty, your ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support.

You’ll likely feel some discomfort and itching. A few days after Otoplasty, your doctor will remove your bandages. Your ears will likely be swollen and red. You’ll need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for 3 weeks. This will help keep you from pulling your ears forward when rolling over in bed.

After your bandages are removed, you’ll notice an immediate change in the appearance of your ears. These changes are permanent.

If you’re interested in ear surgery, please contact one of our Patient Care Supervisors today at to schedule your easy and free online consultation. We serve patients from all over the world in beautiful Antalya, Turkey.