Otoplasty reshapes ears that stand out from the side of the head. In most prominent ears, one of two features is responsible, often both: the fold that normally curves the upper rim backwards has not formed fully, or the bowl of the ear is deep and pushes the whole ear forward. Sometimes the earlobe itself sticks out. The operation reshapes or repositions cartilage through an incision hidden behind the ear, so that the ears sit closer to the head with a natural curve.
The procedure is often carried out in children from about five or six years of age, once the ear has almost reached adult size. This page is written for adults who travel for treatment: the principles are the same, but adult cartilage is firmer, and local anaesthesia is usually enough. You will find who it suits, how it is done, your days in Istanbul, recovery with the headband, the risks and what to ask.
Who ear pinning suits, and who should think again
Otoplasty suits adults who have been bothered by the prominence of their ears for a long time, who are in good general health and who want ears that look less noticeable rather than flat against the skull. Ears that are unequal in prominence can also be brought closer to each other, although perfect symmetry is not a realistic goal, because ears are rarely identical to begin with.
It is wiser to wait or to discuss another plan if you have an active skin infection or eczema around the ears, a bleeding tendency or blood thinners that cannot be adjusted safely, or a tendency to form thick or keloid scars, which can appear behind the ear. Smoking slows healing, so stopping for several weeks around the operation is strongly advised. Otoplasty does not change hearing. It also does not correct a congenitally small or malformed ear, or a torn earlobe, which are different procedures, although a split lobe can sometimes be repaired in the same session.
How the operation is carried out
After injecting local anaesthetic, the surgeon makes an incision in the groove behind the ear and removes, where needed, a narrow strip of skin. The cartilage is then reshaped according to what causes the prominence:
- Creating the missing fold: non-absorbable stitches placed in the cartilage fold the upper rim backwards; the cartilage may also be gently thinned or scored so that it bends more easily.
- Setting back a deep bowl: stitches bring the bowl of the ear closer to the bone behind it, or a small crescent of cartilage is removed.
- Correcting the lobe: a little skin is adjusted so that the lower ear follows the new position.
Most techniques combine these steps. The skin is closed with fine stitches, and a padded dressing and a band are placed around the head. The operation takes about one to two hours for both ears. Sedation can be added if you are anxious, and general anaesthesia is reserved for particular situations; the choice is made at consultation.
Three to four days in Istanbul
- Day 1: airport transfer, consultation with the surgeon, examination of both ears and photographs, discussion of the shape you want, blood tests when required.
- Day 2: the operation in the morning or early afternoon, then return to the hotel the same day with the head dressing in place.
- Day 3: dressing removal, check for bleeding under the skin, cleaning instructions and fitting of the elastic headband.
- Day 4: a final check if your schedule allows it, then transfer to the airport once the surgeon has confirmed you are fit to fly.
Flying a few days after ear surgery is usually possible, but the operating surgeon makes the decision after the dressing check. Stitches are either dissolving or removed at home around the tenth day, as agreed in writing.
What your written quote should include
Esthappy organises the consultation, the surgeon and clinic, your hotel, transfers and an interpreter. The quote should spell out exactly what is included:
- one or both ears, and any lobe or additional correction;
- surgeon, anaesthesia and clinic fees, and any tests requested;
- hotel nights and all transfers between airport, hotel and clinic;
- interpreter support at consultation and checks;
- dressings, the elastic headband and post-operative medication;
- check-ups in Istanbul and how stitches are handled after you leave;
- what would happen, and what would be covered, if a correction were needed.
Recovery, week by week
Week 1: the ears are swollen, tender and sometimes bruised; throbbing for the first two or three days is common and responds to ordinary painkillers. The headband is worn day and night. You sleep on your back with the head slightly raised. Desk work is usually possible after five to seven days, and the band can be hidden under a hat or a loose headscarf.
Weeks 2 to 6: most surgeons ask you to keep wearing the band at night for several weeks, because the ear can be bent forward accidentally during sleep. Hair can be washed gently once the surgeon allows. Avoid contact sports, and anything that might fold the ear, until cleared; helmets and tight headwear wait too.
Months 2 to 6: residual swelling and stiffness settle and the ears become supple again. Numbness of the skin is common at first and usually recovers over months. The scar sits in the groove behind the ear and fades progressively. The final position is judged once swelling has completely gone.
Risks and how they are reduced
- Haematoma: bleeding under the skin is uncommon but needs prompt drainage. Pain that becomes severe or clearly worse on one side is a warning sign, which is why the dressing is checked the day after surgery.
- Infection of the skin or cartilage: uncommon, but cartilage infection needs early treatment; keep the wound clean and report redness, heat or increasing pain.
- Partial relapse: ears can move forward slightly with time, especially if a stitch loosens; wearing the band as advised helps.
- Over-correction or an unnatural shape: ears pinned too tightly or unevenly along their length can look operated; a measured, proportionate correction is the aim.
- Asymmetry: small differences between the two sides remain common.
- Stitch problems and scars: a buried stitch can occasionally become visible or irritated and need removal; thick scars can form behind the ear in people prone to them.
Questions to ask before booking
- What exactly makes my ears prominent: the fold, the bowl, the lobe or a combination?
- Which technique do you plan, and will cartilage be removed or only stitched?
- How close to the head will the ears sit, and how do you avoid an over-pinned look?
- How long must I wear the headband, day and night?
- Are the stitches dissolving, and if not, who removes them at home?
- How would a haematoma or a loosened stitch be handled once I am home?
Back home: follow-up and documents
You send photographs of both ears, from the front and from behind, at agreed intervals so that the surgeon can follow progress remotely; your interpreter remains your point of contact. Before travelling, find a local doctor or nurse who can remove stitches if needed and see you quickly. Seek medical help without waiting for a reply if pain increases sharply, if one ear becomes very swollen, red or hot, if fluid discharges from the wound or if you develop a fever. Take home your operative report, the discharge summary, the medication list and the written instructions for wearing the headband.