The human ear varies dramatically in size from one person to the next. Prominent ears, no matter their size, will stick out or protrude from the head at an abnormal angle. This condition can result in significant discomfort and a lack of self-confidence. In normal ears, the external cartilage, or auricle, is no more than two centimeters from the head. This distance usually creates a 25-degree angle between the ear and the side of the head. Ears beyond these measurements can seem excessively prominent when viewed from the front or behind. Dr. Charles Thorne provides surgical treatment to correct prominent ears at his practice in New York City.
Patient suffered from prominent ears with a protruding upper third of the ear. Otoplasty helped bring the auricle closer to the head and improved proportions.
There are three common causes of prominent ears. These features can be present alone, but more commonly occur in combination and include:
Excessively large ears can also appear overly prominent. Average male adult ears are 2.5 inches long and those in females are slightly smaller. Children's ears barely grow after age 10, so they will only be fractionally smaller than the adult size.
While many prominent ears are otherwise normal in shape, there may be additional deformities. Macrotia occurs when children have excessively large ears that may also be prominent. Constricted ears are abnormally small but can also appear excessively prominent because the helical rim is too small, causing the ear to curl forward. Stahl ear occurs when the ear has a third crus or fold, which can give the ear a pointed appearance in addition to protruding.
Dr. Thorne can help you achieve aesthetic, natural-looking ears that do not protrude.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can correct prominent ears. This procedure consists of an incision along the crease of the ear. Other incisions may be needed to address further deformities or remove excess tissue in excessively large ears. The main goals of otoplasty are to create an aesthetic ear from two main points of views:
Dr. Thorne has decades of experience providing desired results through customized otoplasty procedures.
Dr. Thorne can help you or your child achieve aesthetic, natural-looking ears that do not protrude. Call us at (212) 794-0044 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Dr. Thorne is the Editor-in-Chief and the author of several chapters in Grabb and Smith's PLASTIC SURGERY, 7th Edition.
Ear Construction Chapter in PDF