Prominent Ear Surgery: Royal Aesthetic Surgery, Ljubljana✓

Protruding ears are not a health issue; they do not affect hearing, cause pain, or lead to functional difficulties. However, their appearance can have a significant psychological impact. Children may face teasing at school, teenagers often experience insecurity, and adults may struggle with professional confidence and social interactions.

For many, the shape of their ears transcends being just a physical feature; it can be a source of emotional discomfort. In a society where appearance is highly valued in both personal and professional contexts, surgery for protruding ears becomes not only an aesthetic choice but also an important step towards enhancing self-esteem.

What Are Protruding Ears?

Protruding ears, medically referred to as otapostasis, are a congenital variation in the position and structure of the auricle. In individuals with protruding ears, the ears are positioned further away from the head than is typical, due in large part to the specific shape and development of the cartilage.

The most common causes of protruding ears include:

• Hereditary Factors: Often passed from parents to children.
• Lack of Antihelix: The inner fold of the auricle is not formed.
• Excessive Size of the Auricle: Known as macrotia.
• Weak Cartilage: Soft and flexible cartilage fails to support the ear in the correct position.

Protruding ears can occur symmetrically (on both ears) or unilaterally, with one ear deviating significantly more than the other. Regardless of the severity of the condition, patients frequently experience disharmony and dissatisfaction with their appearance.

Psychological Impact

Aesthetic procedures often carry a profound psychological significance, and surgery for protruding ears is a prime example. These ears can have a notable effect on mental health, especially in children and adolescents who may face teasing or ridicule due to their appearance.

For adults, the challenges manifest differently; individuals may withdraw from social engagements, avoid hairstyles that expose their ears, choose clothing that conceals their face, or feel uncomfortable during professional meetings, photo opportunities, or intimate situations.

For many patients, otoplasty—surgery to correct protruding ears—represents a release from an emotional burden they have carried for years. The restoration of self-confidence often outweighs the importance of the aesthetic improvement.

Who Are Candidates for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is advised for anyone experiencing aesthetic or psychological discomfort due to the shape of their ears. Common candidates include:

• Children over 6 years old: When ear growth is complete and cartilage is sufficiently developed.
• Teenagers: During a time of heightened self-awareness and sensitivity.
• Adults: Those who have not previously had the opportunity to undergo the procedure or who are newly motivated to make a change.

Importantly, older individuals can also undergo the procedure as long as they are healthy and motivated. For children, it is recommended to have the surgery before starting school to limit exposure to negative comments or teasing by peers.

What Does the Otoplasty Procedure Involve?

Otoplasty is a sophisticated yet technically simple surgical procedure that yields permanent, natural results. Depending on the patient's age and the extent of the correction, the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (for adults) or general anesthesia (for children).

Steps of the Procedure:

• Planning and Marking: The areas on the ears needing correction are precisely marked.
• Incision Behind the Earlobe: An incision is made that remains hidden.
• Cartilage Modeling: The cartilage is reshaped and secured in the desired position with sutures.
• Closing the Incision and Applying a Bandage: A precise suturing technique minimizes scarring.

The procedure typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, and patients are usually discharged the same day. If necessary, children may remain under observation for several hours following anesthesia.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Recovery after otoplasty is generally swift and without complications. Immediately after the surgery, patients wear a special bandage or elastic band that holds the ears in their new position and protects them from external pressure.

Key Recovery Guidelines:

• Wearing the Elastic Band: Continuously for 7 days, then only at night for an additional 2–3 weeks.
• Managing Discomfort: Mild discomfort or tightness may occur in the first few days and can be alleviated with analgesics.
• Sleeping Position: Avoid pressure on the ears by sleeping on your back for 2–3 weeks.
• Return to School/Work: Typically after 7 days, with protective tape as needed. 

This comprehensive overview clarifies the essential aspects of protruding ears and the otoplasty procedure, highlighting both the procedural and emotional significance for patients. 

Results of Surgery

The results of the surgery are visible immediately after the bandage is removed, but the final effect typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to fully manifest. The scars are nearly invisible since they are concealed behind the ear, within the natural fold of the skin.

Cost of Protruding Ear Surgery

The cost of the procedure varies based on several factors, including whether one or both ears are being corrected, the type of anesthesia used, the complexity of the correction, and any additional medical services included in the treatment.

At Aesthetic Surgery Royal Belgrade, we prioritize transparency and provide patients with accurate information.

Approximate Prices:

• Correction of ear lopsidedness and shape: €1,300 (previously €1,200)
• Correction of ear lopsidedness: €750 (previously €650)
• Correction of ear shape: €750 (previously €650)

The price includes:

• Detailed examination and consultation with the surgeon
• Operation and anesthesia
• Postoperative bandage and elastic band
• All follow-up appointments during the recovery period

The final price is determined after the examination, where the surgeon will assess the degree of correction needed, the patient's requirements, and the proposed technique.

Consultation and First Examination

A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon is a crucial step in deciding on surgery. During the first examination, the shape of the ears is analyzed in detail, a medical history is taken, expectations are discussed, and a specific intervention plan is proposed.

The examination includes:

• Visual and manual analysis of the auricle
• Suggested surgical method
• Explanation of recovery and postoperative guidelines
• Before-and-after examples (if available)
• Formulating the exact price and agreeing upon the appointment

You are welcome to attend the examination alone or bring your child; all consultations are conducted in a pleasant, discreet, and professional environment.

Why Choose Royal Belgrade Aesthetic Surgery?

Royal Aesthetic Surgery is a prestigious private clinic located in Belgrade, providing exceptional aesthetic and plastic surgery services for over 20 years. Our team consists of experienced professionals who have successfully performed more than 7,000 aesthetic procedures. Our reputation is built on high-quality standards, the use of advanced technology, and a careful approach to each patient.

We offer a high level of expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to every patient, from the first consultation through the postoperative period.

Otoplasty is not just another cosmetic procedure; it requires precision, an understanding of natural anatomy, and a sense of proportion. Our team has extensive experience in cosmetic corrections for both children and adults, emphasizing safety, natural results, and minimal scarring.

• Experienced surgeons with numerous successful otoplasty operations
• Modern facilities with top-notch surgical and recovery conditions
• Discreet and dedicated approach to each patient
• Transparent prices with no hidden costs

If you are looking for a place where your needs will be understood and met with professionalism, care, and excellent results, Royal Belgrade Aesthetic Surgery is the  right choice for you.  

How to Schedule an Appointment for Otoplasty?

If you would like to schedule an appointment for otoplasty, are interested in the prices of ear surgery, or have additional questions for us, please contact us via phone at +381 65 202 77 77 or visit the following pages: Ear Surgery, Prominent Ears Surgery, Ear Shape Surgery