Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty) in Turkey

Otoplasty (ear reshaping or ear pinning) is a procedure that corrects the shape, position, or proportion of the ears. Bilateral otoplasty treats both ears in a single session. When performed under local anaesthetic at the clinic, you are awake and comfortable throughout, with no hospital stay required.

The most common reason for otoplasty is prominent ears, ears that protrude more than normal from the sides of the head. This is usually caused by an underdeveloped antihelical fold (the inner fold of the ear cartilage) or an overly large concha (the deep bowl of the ear). Your surgeon reshapes the cartilage through incisions behind the ears, using permanent internal sutures to hold the new shape.

Otoplasty can address:

• Prominent or protruding ears
• Ears that stick out more than you would like
• Asymmetric ears (one more prominent than the other)
• An underdeveloped antihelical fold
• Excessively large ears or ear lobes
• Ears with an unusual shape due to genetics or injury

The procedure typically takes 1-1.5 hours. All incisions are made behind the ears, so there are no visible scars from the front. The cartilage is reshaped and secured with permanent sutures. The ears are then positioned closer to the head, creating a natural, balanced appearance.

Otoplasty may be right for you if:

• You have prominent ears that protrude from the sides of your head
• You have felt self-conscious about your ears for a long time
• You avoid certain hairstyles or hats because of your ears
• Your ears are asymmetric or have an unusual shape
• You are in good general health
• You are comfortable being awake during a procedure under local anaesthetic
• You are at least 7 years old (ear cartilage is sufficiently developed by this age), though most of our patients are adults
• You have realistic expectations about the outcome

Otoplasty is about creating ears that sit naturally and do not draw attention. The goal is not to make your ears flat against your head, but to bring them into a normal, balanced position that you feel comfortable with.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free consultation, online, by phone, or at one of our UK consultation days. You will discuss what bothers you about your ears, and your surgeon will assess the cartilage structure, degree of protrusion, and any asymmetry.

Once you decide to proceed, you receive pre-procedure instructions. These are straightforward, avoid blood-thinning medications and keep the ear area clean.

During Your Procedure

On the day, you attend the clinic. Local anaesthetic is injected behind each ear to numb them completely. Your surgeon makes incisions behind the ears and reshapes the cartilage using a combination of scoring, folding, and permanent internal sutures. Excess skin is removed if needed. The procedure takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.

You are awake throughout but feel no pain. Some patients listen to music or a podcast during the procedure.

After Your Procedure

You will have a bandage wrapped around your head to protect your ears and hold them in position. You can return to your hotel the same day. Your surgeon checks your healing before you travel home. The bandage is typically removed after 3-5 days, replaced with a headband that you wear at night for several weeks. Sutures behind the ears dissolve or are removed after 7-10 days.

Recovery from otoplasty is straightforward, though protecting your ears during the early weeks is important.

Day 1-3: Wear the head bandage as directed. Your ears may throb or ache mildly, this is normal and managed with standard pain relief. Avoid sleeping on your side. Keep the bandage dry.

Day 3-5: The bandage is removed. You will see your ears in their new position for the first time. Expect swelling and some bruising behind the ears. The ears may look slightly over-corrected at this stage, this is normal and settles.

Day 5-10: Sutures are removed or begin to dissolve. Swelling reduces. You can return to work and normal activities. Switch to wearing a soft headband at night to protect your ears while sleeping.

Week 2-4: Swelling continues to settle. The ears look increasingly natural in their new position. Avoid contact sports and any activity that could bend or impact the ears.

Month 1-3: The cartilage has settled into its new shape. You can stop wearing the headband at night (your surgeon will advise when). The final result is established, natural-looking ears that sit comfortably close to the head.

Otoplasty is one of the most well-established cosmetic procedures, with a strong safety profile and high patient satisfaction rates.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling and bruising behind the ears, resolves within 1-2 weeks
• Mild aching or throbbing, settles within the first few days
• Numbness around the ears, temporary, resolves over weeks
• Itching as healing progresses, normal

Less common considerations:

• Asymmetry, minor differences between ears are normal (no ears are completely identical)
• Over- or under-correction, rare; your surgeon aims for a natural position
• Suture-related issues, occasionally a permanent suture may become palpable behind the ear
• Recurrence (ear springing back slightly), uncommon with experienced technique
• Infection, rare, particularly with local anaesthetic procedures
• Keloid or hypertrophic scarring behind the ears, uncommon, and the scar is hidden regardless

How your safety is managed: Your procedure is performed by a specialist surgeon at a fully equipped clinic. Otoplasty is a routine procedure with a high satisfaction rate. Your aftercare includes monitoring and 12 months of support.