Usually, in newborns, ear taping is used to correct ears that point out or lack form. Conversely, many individuals question if ear tape would be a suitable non-surgical solution for them. Moreover, babies with soft and easily shaped cartilage frequently benefit from ear taping. However, Does Ear Taping Work on Adults? Hence, read this blog till the end to explore if it is suitable for them or not.
What is Ear Taping?
Using tape or specifically created ear molds, ear taping is the technique of repositioning ears that stick out or lack form closer to the head. Moreover, babies benefit most from this approach as, in the first few months of life, the cartilage in their ears is still fragile, flexible, and easily formed. Regular taping or shaping of your ears over several weeks or months can gradually help them acquire the desired form.
Instead of surgery, ear taping is a primary, painless method to correct a baby’s ears and help them avoid otoplasty needs. Based on how much an infant’s ears jut out or are malformed, taping their ears generally begins soon after birth and can continue for many months.
Why Is Ear Taping More Effective on Infants?
Ear taping works best on infants as cartilage behaves in such a way. Estrogen from the mother causes the cartilage in a baby’s ears to be incredibly supple and flexible throughout the first few months of life. This alters the building of the ears. Tape or ear shaping tools, this help you more easily shape and move the ears.
As a youngster develops, the cartilage becomes more ordered and stronger. Usually, by the time they are adults, people’s ear cartilage has hardened and lost sensitivity to outside motion. Furthermore, this explains why ear taping is not commonly advised for adults: tape does not function as effectively, and the ears are less flexible than they used to be.
Does Ear Taping Work on Adults?
For newborns, taping your ears can be somewhat successful. However, Does Ear Taping Work on Adults? Yet, this is not always the case for others. This is so because outside pressure cannot modify stiff mature ear cartilage. After the cartilage forms, you most likely won’t be able to alter the location or structure of your ears significantly.
Malleable cartilage constructed from which babies’ ears are composed can be modified with time. But adults’ ears would need a lot of continuous effort to change form, which cannot be achieved with tape alone. This makes ear taping not advised as a therapy for those wishing to correct protrusions or ear anomalies.
Are There Any Cases Where Ear Taping Could Work for Adults?
Though it does not happen often, ear tape may have a minor impact on those whose ears do not stand out particularly. Still, the impacts probably would be minor and fleeting. With merely ear tape, adults with more obvious anomalies or protrusions of the ears most likely will not experience any substantial improvements.
Adults who utilize ear taping typically have to commit significantly to wearing ear molds or tape for extended periods, and even then, the results might not be excellent.
Many Approaches to Support Adults
Particularly if their ears protrude out, more dependable and effective procedures are now accessible to those who wish to improve the appearance of their ears. Here are some substitutes for ear tape you might wish to give thought:
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty is a successful surgery for reshaping ears to make them appear more natural, addressing asymmetry and defects. It involves appointing the ear closer to the skull, shaping cartilage, and cutting behind the ear.
Ear Molding Devices for Adults
Although they are primarily helpful on newborns, adults with minor ear extensions can also consider utilizing an adult ear-shaping device. These devices continuously push on the ear cartilage.
Non-Surgical Ear Pinning Devices
Also designed to retain the ears in a better position, ear-fixing methods are devoid of surgical need. Usually, for brief periods, when one wear these outside devices behind the ears help to provide the impression that the ears are not protruding as much.
Final Thoughts:
Although ear tape is an excellent approach to reshaping an infant’s ears, it typically doesn’t work on adults since adult ear cartilage is too rigid. Your ears are completely developed as an adult; hence, modifying their form using non-invasive techniques like tape is difficult. Otoplasty is still the best choice when individuals wish to alter their ears’ location or form permanently.
Consult with Expert:
See a board-certified plastic surgeon at Royal Cosmetic Surgery-PK to correct ears that protrude or have incorrect forms. After we examine your issue, we can advise on the best course of action. Whether you decide on surgery or another course of action, the correct strategy will help you attain the desired outcomes.
