Can we get blown ears from wearing a mask?

The mask is now a second skin for everyone. But, although it is necessary, it must be recognized that it produces certain discomforts and can accentuate possible aesthetic defects. We had noticed that the upper third of the face takes center stage, but have you noticed that highlights the ears because of the rubber bands?

First of all we want to worry you. Although you can see your ears more, “the continued use of the mask it will not leave us the ears more puff”, As explained to El Confidencial plastic surgeon Conchita Pinilla.

This is how you should be storing your mask every time you take it off

F.S.B.

"But during use they separate a lot and this become more visibleThey are bothered by the rubber and this makes us more aware of this area of ​​the anatomy. But the continued use of the mask does not produce a deformity, in addition there are masks that are attached to the head by tapes and not behind the ears, if you prefer ”, says the surgeon.

The perfect ear

The 5% of the population has large or puffed ears according to the Spanish Society of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (SECPRE). Of them, 37 out of 100 have considered correcting them at some time, but only 8% have a real intention to do so, reports the Allergan laboratory. The motives? The fear of surgery and its possible side effects.

Pinilla reassures in this regard, exposing the most effective techniques (surgical and non-surgical) to achieve beautiful ears. "The size of the pinna (ear) represents approximately 1/3 of the length of the face, and is oriented more or less parallel on its major axis to the axis of the nose. The maximum distance between the Helix (prominent edge of the ear) and the skull should range between 18 and 20 mm to be harmonious ”, explains Dr. Pinilla, adding that one of the most frequent aesthetic concerns is the excessive separation of the ears of the skull, which are popularly called "puff ears".

How to correct puff ears

The technique to use depends on whether the pinna it is separated into its upper, middle or lower third (or in combination).

1. Otoplasty: It is the Surgical technique that corrects the excessive separation of the ear with respect to the skull, and gives a normal appearance to the curvatures of its structure.

The technique it is simple, it can be performed under local anesthesia and requires a detailed analysis of the structure of the pinna. It is able to completely correct the separation of the ear from the skull and harmonize it; In addition, sometimes the deformity is minimal and only requires minor surgery. The intervention lasts about 20 minutes per ear.

2. Earfold, the “staple” without a scalpel: There are times when it is not necessary to resort to conventional surgery and simply opt for a surgical device in the shape of a staple called Earfold. Beforehand and thanks to simulators, the patient can see what the final result would be like to assess whether it matches their expectations.

Is considered minor surgery. Earfold is made of a gold-coated nickel-titanium metal alloy that enhances the helix fold and approximates the pinna in selected cases (especially those with separation of the upper third). Earfold is placed under local anesthesia with minimal injection. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, is performed on an outpatient basis, eliminates potential surgical risks, and only requires 2 or 3 stitches.