Treatment of Bat Ear Deformity
Treatment of Bat Ear Deformity
Bat ear deformity is usually inherited by a genetic factor affecting approximately 1 to 2 percent of the population. But can it be treated? Learn about bat ear deformity and its treatment in the following article.
What is a bat ear deformity?
Bat ear deformity is a condition where the ears protrude noticeably in contrast to normal ears. It is visible on both sides of the face and negatively affects the appearance. It can also be present in newborn babies. Bat ear deformity does not cause any physical problems or affect hearing. However, it can negatively impact you or the psychological well-being of your child and may cause embarrassment due to its noticeable appearance.
When is plastic ear surgery considered for a bat ear deformity?
If the issue can be diagnosed shortly after birth, it can be managed conservatively using appropriate splinting. Plastic surgery can be performed at the age of five or during adolescence if the patient does not have conditions that contraindicate the procedure.
Before undergoing plastic bat ear surgery:
- Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy will evaluate your case, explain all the procedure steps, and discuss the expected results during recovery.
- You may undergo investigations and laboratory tests before the procedure.
- Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor, especially blood thinners, as they may increase the risk of bleeding after the surgery.
- Completely avoid smoking, as it may delay wound healing after the surgery.
How is a bat ear deformity treated with surgery?
This procedure can be performed at any age, starting at five. It is preferable to perform before the children start school to prevent it from affecting their self-confidence in front of others. The procedure is done under general anesthesia. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a plastic surgery and hair transplantation consultant, makes an incision behind the earlobe to start the procedure, which can be done using various techniques. It may involve cutting a portion of the ear cartilage and pulling the ear back with surgical sutures. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy may also bend one of the ear cartilages or change its position to eliminate ear protrusion without cutting any parts.
Are there any side effects after bat ear deformity surgery?
Ear plastic surgery is a procedure that has helped many individuals improve their external appearance and increase their self-confidence. However, there may be some minor complications that can be overcome, such as:
- Appearance of some scars and swelling, but they quickly fade with wound healing.
- Feeling some pain and discomfort, but it subsides after taking the prescribed pain relievers.
- Feeling numbness, but it disappears after a few weeks.
- Risk of infection, which is rare but can occur when you do not follow the post-surgical instructions or expose the ear to water, and also in cases of lack of attention to the cleanliness of the wound and surgical sutures. If an infection occurs, it is important to consult Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy immediately to prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
There are some instructions to follow after bat ear plastic surgery to avoid any complications or side effects:
- Take care not to expose your ears to water and keep them dry at all times to ensure the safety of the wound.
- Avoid putting pressure on the ears or sleeping on them.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activity until the removal of the surgical stitches.
- It is necessary to continue wearing the headband while sleeping for approximately one month.
- It is preferable to avoid washing the hair until the removal of bandage and stitches and maintain cleanliness behind the ear.
- It is recommended not to wear earrings on the ear for at least two weeks after the surgery.
- Take care not to expose the ear to friction until the recovery period is over.
What are the expected results after bat ear plastic surgery?
After removing the dressings and sutures, the results will be immediately apparent, and you will be able to notice the difference in the shape of the ear after the surgery. The results are permanent.
Can bat-ear deformities be treated without surgery?
Some cases of bat ear deformity can be treated and corrected without surgical intervention using thread lifting or laser treatment.
1- Treatment of Bat Ear Deformity with Surgical Threads:
Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy makes a tiny incision behind the ear and inserts the threads through it or injects them without incisions. Then Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy tightens the threads backward, thereby pulling the ear backward to eliminate protrusion without any modifications to its shape. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy uses local anesthesia for this procedure. The patient can leave the hospital immediately after ear lifting, and the doctor may recommend applying some cold compresses to avoid redness and swelling after the procedure.
What are the advantages of ear thread lift?
- It does not require surgical incisions or cause any visible scars afterward.
- There is no need for a recovery period, and individuals can resume their normal activities afterward.
- It does not require general anesthesia; the doctor only applies local anesthesia during the procedure.
- It has no risks except that the patient may be allergic to the threads used in some cases.
- The threads used in ear thread lifts do not dissolve in the skin, providing permanent results.
2- Treatment of Ear Bat Deformity with Laser:
This procedure is performed using laser technology. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy makes a small incision behind or around the ear, not exceeding a few centimeters, and then directs the laser beams to remove the excess cartilage. Afterward, he closes the incision.
What are the advantages of ear bat treatment with laser?
- It does not require a surgical incision; only a small opening of a few centimeters.
- It avoids the appearance of large scars that may result from surgical intervention.
- It does not require a long recovery period.
- It minimizes the amount of blood loss compared to surgery.
What is the cost of ear bat plastic surgery?
The cost of ear bat plastic surgery varies depending on several factors, such as:
- The necessary procedures, whether it is ear reduction, treatment of protrusion, or others.
- The technology used to treat the ear issue, whether through surgical intervention, cosmetic threads, or laser.
- Hospital costs, the medical team involved in the procedure, and the anesthesiologist's fees.
- Other factors may directly or indirectly affect the cost of ear bat plastic surgery, such as medication costs, required tests and examinations before the procedure, and accommodation expenses if you are coming from abroad.
If you are suffering from bat ears and it causes discomfort and negative effects, consult Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a plastic surgery and hair transplant specialist, to choose the optimal technique for your case to get rid of this condition. He is committed to using the latest medical techniques in ear plastic surgery to ensure the best results. For more information and inquiries, contact us.
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in cosmetic surgery, body contouring, and natural hair transplantation.
