The position of protruding ears

Protruding ears strongly define the face. Protruding ear correction, or ear correction is, alongside nose correction, a plastic surgery procedure that is enjoying growing interest from young people.
Very understandable, because just like the nose, the ears are immediately visible. Ears that stick out a long way – commonly known as protruding or ‘bat’ ears – can be very noticeable. In some cases they can be partly hidden from view by choosing a particular hairstyle, but not everyone wants their hairstyle to be dictated by the position of their ears. And not everyone has enough hair growth to be able to choose this solution.

Correcting protruding ears

We are therefore seeing more and more young adults opt for protruding ear correction. The preliminary consultation often reveals that this is a wish they have cherished for years, one their parents did listen to but, very understandably, dismissed with “you’re fine just the way you are” and “be glad you’re healthy”. An understandable and relatable reaction! The protruding ears are part of their child and make their appearance distinctive. But as the years pass and they reach young adulthood, it often turns out that the wish to change something about the protruding ears has remained.

Consultation for protruding ear correction from age 18

These people are (recently) independent, they are aware that their ears have too much effect on their appearance and sense of self-confidence. They can afford the procedure financially, and they do not let anyone tell them what they should and should not do with their body and their life. That is the moment when they start looking for a possible solution and make an appointment to get information from the plastic surgeon about ear correction. For a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, however, you must have reached the age of 18.

Protruding ears: abnormal position of the cartilage framework

Protruding or prominent ears are the result of an abnormal position of the cartilage framework of the outer ear. The effects can be so visible that people find them bothersome or even suffer psychological distress because of them. Especially if someone is bullied about it – in the school playground, for example. Protruding ear correction can bring a clear improvement, so that people are much happier with their face. This often boosts people’s self-confidence. The investment involved is limited.

Protruding ear correction under local anaesthesia

Correcting protruding ears is, after all, a relatively short procedure, performed under local anaesthesia with a manageable recovery period. But it is a procedure that fulfils what is often a deep wish, cherished for years. Almost everyone who comes for a consultation with our plastic surgeons is more than happy to make the investment. And during this consultation, the plastic surgeon can explain exactly what expectations someone may have of the procedure, and therefore how realistic the cherished wish to be rid of those protruding ears is.

Read more about protruding ear correction here

Video animation about ear correction at Boerhaave Clinic