Prominent ears, commonly referred to as bat ears, are one of the most frequent congenital deformities of the head and neck, affecting around 5% of the population. Although they do not cause hearing problems, they can have a significant aesthetic and emotional impact, especially during childhood and adolescence.
At Dr. Brianda’s Clinic, we specialize in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, offering safe and personalized ear correction treatments with natural and long-lasting results that restore facial harmony and boost confidence.
What Are Prominent Ears?
Someone is considered to have prominent ears when their auricles protrude more than usual from the skull. Medically, this occurs when the angle between the ear and the head exceeds 30 degrees. This feature can be caused by different anatomical factors, although hearing remains completely normal.
Causes of Prominent Ears
The main causes of bat ears include:
- Underdeveloped or absent antihelix fold: The most common cause. Without the natural fold of the cartilage, the ear loses its curvature and sticks out.
- Overdeveloped or deep concha: Excess cartilage pushes the entire ear outward.
- Combination of both: In many cases, both causes are present simultaneously.
These anatomical variations are often hereditary and visible from birth. While they do not affect hearing, they can cause insecurity, teasing during childhood, or low self-esteem in adulthood.
Psychological Impact of Prominent Ears
Beyond aesthetics, prominent ears can have a deep emotional effect. Children and teenagers may experience bullying or embarrassment, which can impact their self-esteem and social development. Adults, on the other hand, may feel self-conscious about their appearance, which can influence their confidence in social or professional settings.
For this reason, more and more patients are choosing otoplasty, a simple and effective surgical procedure that improves both appearance and self-confidence.
Treatments to Correct Prominent Ears
At Dr. Brianda’s Clinic, we offer two main options to correct prominent ears: otoplasty surgery and a metal implant device for selected cases. The choice depends on each patient’s anatomy and the specific type of deformity.
1. Otoplasty Surgery: The Most Effective Solution
Otoplasty is the most effective surgical technique to correct prominent ears. Its goal is to reposition the ears, recreate natural folds, and achieve a balanced, harmonious appearance. It is a safe, low-risk procedure that provides permanent results.
How Is Otoplasty Performed?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, ensuring comfort and no pain. A small incision is made behind the ear, allowing access to the cartilage without leaving visible scars.
The surgeon reshapes the cartilage, recreates the antihelix fold if missing, and reduces the concha if necessary to prevent the ear from protruding. The incision is then closed carefully, and a compression bandage is applied to maintain the new position.
Duration and Recovery
Otoplasty typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home the same day. At our clinic, we remove the dressing after 24–48 hours and replace it with a tennis-style headband that must be worn for 4 to 6 weeks to protect the ears during healing.
Initial swelling subsides within a few days, and the final results become visible after several weeks, once the ears settle into their natural position and the scar fades almost completely.
2. Metal Device for Prominent Ears
In certain cases—especially when the issue is only due to a missing antihelix fold—a metal implant device may be used. It is inserted under local anesthesia, either in the office or in the operating room.
This device is placed beneath the skin to create a natural curve in the cartilage. It is a less invasive alternative but not suitable for all patients with prominent ears.
Potential downsides include device visibility under the skin or, in rare cases, minor skin necrosis if tissue does not adapt properly. For this reason, the treatment must be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Price and Results Duration
Both treatments generally have a similar cost, provided that two or fewer metal implants are used per ear. The results of otoplasty are permanent, while those achieved with the metal device can last for years when properly indicated.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Otoplasty recovery is straightforward, and most patients return to normal activities within a week. To ensure proper healing and optimal results, it’s important to follow medical advice:
- Avoid sleeping on the ears for the first few days.
- Wear the protective headband as recommended by your surgeon.
- Keep the area clean and dry, applying topical care as instructed.
- Avoid sun exposure and extreme heat until swelling resolves.
The outcome is a natural, symmetrical appearance that enhances overall facial balance.
Choosing a Certified Plastic Surgeon
The correction of prominent ears should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE) or the Spanish Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (AECEP). This ensures patient safety, high-quality results, and compliance with the most rigorous medical standards.
Otoplasty in Málaga and Marbella with Dr. Brianda
If you are considering ear correction surgery in Málaga or Marbella, Dr. Brianda’s Clinic is a trusted reference in plastic and aesthetic facial surgery. Dr. Brianda, with extensive experience in otoplasty, offers a personalized approach, advanced surgical techniques, and results that look natural and harmonious with each patient’s features.
Restore your confidence and facial balance with a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment.
Book your personalized consultation in Málaga or Marbella and discover how we can help you feel your best.
