Does your child suffer from bat ear?

This condition may also prevent him from performing his favorite activities or attending social events, due to the harassment and harmful comments he is exposed to and his feeling that he is different from the rest of his peers.

So if you would like to know more information about this condition, and what are the ways to correct bat ear, follow this article with me.

What is bat ear?

Bat ear, also known as protruding ear, is a congenital condition in which the ears protrude more than two centimeters from either side of the head, and may be on one side, or on both sides.

About 30% of babies with bat ear are born with normal-looking ears, and the problem does not appear until the first three months of life.

This condition may worsen when the soft cartilage is repeatedly bent, especially during breastfeeding.

Although protruding ears are not a medical problem and do not affect hearing or physical health, they may affect children's mental health.

Check out خدمات الجراحة التجميلية طريقك لتعزيز الثقة بالنفس

Causes of bat ear

Protruding ears are usually caused by the following: –

1. A deficiency or deformity of cartilage during primitive ear development in intrauterine life, which may be related to the position of the fetus in the womb.
2. Genetic factors.
3. Too much cartilage in the turbinate (a shell-like structure in the outer ear cavity).
4. Because of the large auricle.

Methods of beautification of bat ear

Bat ear can be corrected by undergoing otoplasty, also known as otoplasty, or otoplasty.

The primary goal of this procedure is to reshape or modify the position of the ear cartilage.

This operation is usually performed on children between the ages of 5 and 7 years, because the ears are fully developed at that age.

The steps for performing prominent ear plastic surgery include the following steps: –

• This surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia is preferred for younger children.
• A surgical incision is made either in the back of the ear, or within its folds.
• The skin is removed and the cartilage is exposed, and the ear folds are then reshaped.
• The surgeon uses sutures to hold the cartilage in place and help bring the top of the ear closer to the head.
• Then, by weakening the cartilage, the surgeon is able to bring the entire ear closer to the head.
• Closing the surgical incisions with stitches.
• The ears are covered with a bandage, or the patient may be advised to wear a protective headband for several weeks after surgery.

The ear plastic surgery takes about an hour and a half, and the patient can return home on the same day after completing the surgery.

The doctor may advise you on some instructions that you must adhere to in order to achieve the best results, such as: –

1. Avoid touching or scratching your ears.
2. Choose a sleeping position that does not rest on your ears.
3. Take care to clean and dry the treated area.
4. Do not wash your hair for two weeks after the procedure.
5. Wear clothes that don't need to be pulled over your head, such as button-up shirts.
6. Avoid swimming for at least two weeks, and preferably wait 4 to 6 weeks.
7. Do not practice contact sports for eight weeks.

احجز استشارتك الان مع مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Types of operations to correct bat ear

Correcting protruding ears with surgery is the best option for you, especially if you want a more permanent solution, or non-surgical treatments haven't worked for you.

Surgical correction of prominent ears includes a variety of techniques, such as: –

• Installation technique:-

Ear pinning is one of the most common forms of otoplasty, and aims to reshape the ear cartilage and reduce its prominence.

Incisionless surgery is the latest ear stabilization technique, where the surgeon makes small incisions to reshape the cartilage, which reduces scarring and speeds up the recovery period.

You can return to work or study within a day or two after the procedure.

• Correction technique:-

This technique aims to weaken the cartilage by making tiny incisions, allowing it to bend toward the head.

• Sewing Technique:-

This technique aims to fold the cartilage using permanent stitches without removing it.

What is the treatment for bat ear without surgery?

There are many modern methods used to treat bat ear without surgery, and their effectiveness depends on the age of the patient.

Methods of treating prominent ears without surgery include the following: –

• Ear shaping device: –

The ear shaping device is a common and effective procedure used during the first few weeks after birth (usually within the first six weeks of life).

This is because newborn ear cartilage is very soft;

This procedure involves gradually reshaping the ear, using supports, or soft splints made of silicone, which are attached to the ear with the help of medical tape.

Depending on the desired outcome, this usually painless procedure may take a few weeks to months.

• Lifting with cosmetic threads: –

Count Cosmetic threads Common technique forFace lift, but it can be used to bring the ears closer to the head.

This is a minimally invasive procedure and does not require a long recovery time.

• Dermal fillers: –

Dermal fillers are typically used to contour the face, but can also be carefully injected to add volume and precisely reshape the ears.

This procedure is suitable for people who want minor adjustments rather than a major change in the position of the ear.

• Adhesive products: –

Over-the-counter patches or strips are the best option to temporarily stabilize the ear.

• Compression bands:-

These bands provide a good alternative to ear shaping devices, as they apply light pressure to the ears;

It can also be used by young children who are still growing, due to its ease of use, as it can be worn during the day and taken off at night.

• Clamp mounting devices: –

Clip-on devices provide a non-surgical, adjustable alternative to reshaping the ear.

Advantages of fixing bat ear without surgery

Fixing bat ear without surgery has many advantages, such as: –

1. It does not require a recovery period.
2. Less expensive than surgery.
3. Doesn't leave scars.
4. It involves less risk.

In conclusion, you now realize, dear reader, what a bat ear is?

Therefore, if you want to correct your child’s ear, you must go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, so that the best doctors can help you choose the appropriate technique to treat your child, and tighten the ear close to the head.

Frequently asked questions about bat ear

If your child suffers from bat ear, and you want to treat it, you may have many questions in mind, such as: –

What is an ear patch?

The Ear Adjustment Patch is a revolutionary cosmetic solution designed to treat bat ear without surgery.

Can cauliflower ear be treated?

Cauliflower ear is permanent, but in some cases it can be corrected with otoplasty.

How do I return my ears to normal?

You can correct your child's bat ear by:

• If your baby is a newborn, it can be corrected with an ear shaping device.
• But if it is greater than that, the following treatment methods may be appropriate for it, such as: –
• Otoplasty surgery.
• Dermal fillers.
• Stickers.
• Cosmetic threads.
• Headbands.

Medical references 

Bat Ear Correction – bangkokpattayahospital

All About Otoplasty – healthline