Prominent ears can affect both your self-confidence and psychological comfort by disturbing your facial frame. Especially if you were exposed to “ear” teasing at school or in social environments during childhood and adolescence, non-surgical solutions fall short. If you’re looking for a permanent, natural, and symmetrical ear form, Otoplasty Surgery is perfect for you! At our clinic in Istanbul, with this operation offered by our plastic surgery specialists and microsurgical equipment, we reconstruct your ear frame to balance your facial contour, bringing fresh breath to both your daily life and self-esteem.

What is Otoplasty Surgery?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects excessive protrusion and forward projection of the ear auricle.

Goals:

  • Creating Antihelix Fold: Redefining the inner ear curve to bring the ear auricle closer to the head
  • Conchal Retraction: Bringing the ear closer to the skull bone
  • Balance and Symmetry: Making both ears harmonious in terms of size, shape, and angle

Technique:

  • 2-3 cm incision hidden in the natural curve behind the ear
  • Cartilage shaping and fixation sutures
  • Closure with fine, self-dissolving threads

Duration:

Average 60-90 minutes; comfortable experience under local anesthesia + sedation or mild general anesthesia

Why Choose Otoplasty Surgery?

  • Permanent Aesthetic Solution: Surgically corrects bone and cartilage form present from birth.
  • Boosts Self-Confidence: Ears are no longer attention-grabbing, becoming a natural part of your face.
  • Minimal Scarring: Since incisions are hidden in the curve behind the ear, they’re not noticeable from outside.
  • Fast Recovery: Return to daily life after 5-7 days, full social activity after 2 weeks.
  • Suitable for All Ages: Can be applied to children whose bone-cartilage development is complete from age 6.
  • Combined Operations: Can be planned simultaneously with procedures like facelifts, brow lifts.

Who Are Otoplasty Candidates?

  • Children 6 Years and Older: Those psychologically affected and exposed to teasing
  • Adults Aged 17-65: Anyone with prominent, protruding, or asymmetric ear form
  • Candidates with Completed Cartilage Development: Those with appropriate health and anesthesia tolerance
  • Realistic Expectations: Those wanting symmetrical, natural ear appearance

Note: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or active ear infection must first undergo medical optimization.

Pre-Surgery Preparation Process

1. Free Consultation & Photo Analysis

Ear angles, symmetry, and facial features are evaluated, digital planning is done.

2. Medical Examination

Blood tests, coagulation profile, anesthesia team approval.

3. Expectation Management

Which technique (antihelix fold, conchal retraction) will be used and scar status are transparently explained.

4. Medication and Habit Regulation

Aspirin/NSAIDs and smoking are discontinued 1 week prior; blood-thinning supplements like vitamin E are stopped.

5. Appointment Confirmation & Final Preparation

8-hour fasting on surgery day, comfortable upper clothing, and recommendation to keep ear area clean are given.

How is Otoplasty Surgery Performed?

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia + sedation or mild general anesthesia

2. Incision and Cartilage Shaping:

  • 2-3 cm incision behind the ear
  • Cartilage fold to create antihelix, tissue removal for concha narrowing

3. Suturing and Fixation:

  • Cartilage is fixed in new position with fine, absorbable sutures
  • Closure with self-dissolving threads in natural curve behind ear

4. Dressing and Protection:

Light pressure bandage and ear protective head band

5. Operation Duration:

60-90 minutes; then discharge after several hours of observation

The Importance of Doctor Selection

Otoplasty requires the ability to reshape cartilage tissue and achieve symmetry. The ideal surgeon:

  • ENT Specialist: Otoplasty certified, experienced physician who knows ear anatomy
  • 3D Planning Competence: Specialist who optimizes ear angles and facial features with digital measurement
  • Empathetic Communication: Approach that understands your expectations and clearly informs throughout the process
  • Sterile Clinical Standards: Single-use equipment, hygiene protocols, and comfortable service

Surgery Day: What to Expect?

1. Morning Preparations & Anesthesia Consultation

Vital measurements, pre-briefing, and sedation plan.

2. Surgical Process

Meticulous 60-90 minute otoplasty; you can receive progress information from your surgeon.

3. Recovery and Initial Observation

Operating room exit, light dressing, and monitoring with ear protective band.

4. Hospitalization

Standard: 1 night; 2-night monitoring option in VIP packages.

5. Discharge Instructions

Rest in head-up position, guide for wearing ear protective band for 7 days.

Recovery Process and Results

  • 1-3 Days: Mild pain, swelling, and dizziness are normal; controlled with prescribed painkillers and cold compress.
  • 5-7 Days: Dressing and ear band are removed; mild bruising and swelling decrease.
  • 2 Weeks: Ear movements and daily activities like showering can be done comfortably.
  • 1 Month: Final ear angle and symmetry emerge; personalized follow-up appointments.
  • 6 Months: Complete tissue healing and cartilage adaptation are completed; permanent result guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be scars?

Since incisions are hidden in the curve behind the ear, they’re not visible from outside.

2. What’s the price difference between bilateral vs. unilateral ear?

Bilateral ear surgery is approximately 1.5 times that of one side depending on operation time and material needs.

3. What’s the most suitable age for children?

Ear cartilage completes development around age 6; ages 6-12 constitute the ideal period.

4. Are there surgical risks?

There are risks of bleeding, infection, and rarely asymmetry; minimized with expert team.

5. Does cartilage deformation occur?

With correct technique and fixation sutures, cartilage deformation risk is very low.