Otoplasty brings ears that stand out from the head back to a natural position through a hidden incision behind the ear. The cause is usually a missing fold or a deep ear bowl; the key to a lasting result is finding the cause correctly.
Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage through an incision in the natural crease behind the ear and brings the ears closer to the head at a natural angle. A missing antihelical fold is created with permanent sutures and a deep concha set back. It takes 1–2 hours as a day case; it can be done from age 5–6, and most patients are back at school or work in 5–7 days.
- Prominent ears have two main causes: a missing antihelical fold and a deep concha; usually both.
- The incision is behind the ear; no scar is visible from the front.
- In children it can be done from age 5–6, ideally before school; no age limit in adults.
- A bandage for the first 3–7 days, then a night headband for 4–6 weeks.
- Only the outer ear is operated on; hearing is not affected.
- Permanent sutures and cartilage reshaping make the result permanent.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Otoplasty — prominent ear correction |
| Duration | 1–2 hours (both ears) |
| Anesthesia | General in children, local in adults |
| Hospital stay | Day case |
| School / work | 5–7 days; contact sport at 6 weeks |
| Incision/scar | Natural crease behind the ear |
| Longevity | Permanent |
| Who it suits | Prominent ears, ear asymmetry, forward-pointing earlobe |
Contents— 26 sections
Procedures are performed in accredited, approved operating rooms.
An aesthetic & plastic surgery specialist, ISAPS & TSPRAS member.
One point of contact from pre-assessment to follow-up.
Multilingual communication for international patients; your data is protected.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty brings ears that stand out from the head back to a natural position by reshaping the cartilage through a hidden incision behind the ear. It takes 1–2 hours as a day case and the result is permanent.
Normally the ear sits at an angle of about 20–30 degrees to the head, with the rim around 1.5–2 cm from the skull. In prominent ears this angle and distance are clearly greater. It is not a health problem, but especially in childhood and adolescence it can attract teasing and seriously affect self-confidence.
Behind prominence there are usually two structural causes. The first is an underdeveloped antihelical fold; without this Y-shaped fold, the upper half of the ear opens forward. The second is a deep ear bowl (concha), which pushes the middle of the ear away from the head. Sometimes the earlobe also points forward.
Otoplasty corrects each cause: the missing fold is created with permanent sutures placed on the cartilage from behind, a deep concha is set back towards the head and the earlobe is repositioned. Because everything is done from behind the ear, no scar is visible from the front. The aim is not to pin the ears flat but to bring them to a natural angle.
Videos: Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya Explains
Patient experience and more from our channel:
Otoplasty Techniques
The technique is chosen by the cause of prominence, the stiffness of the cartilage and the patient’s age.
The missing Y fold is created with permanent sutures. The upper half of the ear comes closer to the head; the most commonly used technique.
The deep ear bowl is sutured closer to the head; a small piece of cartilage is removed if needed. The middle of the ear is corrected.
A forward-pointing earlobe is repositioned; it gives a result that matches the upper and middle ear.
For mild prominence and soft cartilage, with sutures passed under the skin. No incision, but a higher risk of relapse.
In newborns the cartilage is very soft in the first weeks; ear moulding applied in this period can correct the ear without surgery.
Visual Assessment: What Causes the Prominence?
Pick the picture closest to your ear seen from the side and see the likely approach. This is a pre-assessment, not a diagnosis.
👉 Tap the picture that looks most like you — the suggestion appears instantly.
This tool is for information only; the technique is decided only by examination.
Live Simulator: Ear Angle and Fold
Drag the slider: on the left the ears come closer to the head, on the right the antihelical fold forms. Compare fold, concha and combined correction with the buttons. Completely private — no data is sent.
If the tool does not load, open it here. This simulation is schematic; it does not analyse your ear and does not diagnose.
Who Is Suitable — and Who Is Not?
Good candidates
- Children and adults whose ears stand out clearly from the head
- Children aged 5–6 or older who want the operation themselves
- Those with one prominent ear or asymmetry between the ears
- Those who had a relapse after a previous operation
Situations to postpone or review
- Children under 5 (moulding is considered in newborns)
- Active ear or skin infection
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorder
- Children who do not want the operation or cannot cooperate
In children, the timing is planned with the family, taking into account the child’s own wishes and ability to cope with the bandage period.
What Bothers You Most?
Choose what bothers you most and see the likely approach. The definitive plan is made at the examination.
👉 Tap the option that fits you — guidance and a WhatsApp link appear instantly.
This tool is for information only; the technique is decided only by examination.
Comparing the Techniques
| Technique | Best for | Advantage | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihelical fold (sutures) | Missing fold | Natural Y fold, permanent | Not enough alone if the concha is deep |
| Conchal setback | Deep ear bowl | Brings the middle ear closer | Not enough alone if the fold is missing |
| Combined technique | Fold + concha | The most natural and lasting result | A slightly longer operation |
| Incisionless (thread) | Mild prominence, soft cartilage | No incision, fast recovery | Higher relapse risk |
In short: the technique follows the cause. In most patients the fold and the concha are corrected together.
Decision Guide: Which Correction Is Needed?
Prominent ears are not a single problem. At the examination we look at which part of the ear opens and at the cartilage; each picture points to a different technique.
This table is a pre-assessment; cartilage stiffness and the difference between the two ears are measured and assessed at the examination.
Combined Procedures: What Can Be Added in One Session?
Because otoplasty is a short procedure, in suitable patients it can be combined with other small procedures in the same session.
A forward-pointing, large or torn earlobe is corrected in the same session; the ear looks harmonious as a whole.
If the ear is also disproportionately large, a reduction at the helix corrects both angle and size.
A frequently requested combination, especially in young adults; one anesthetic and one recovery.
In adults planning a facelift, an elongated earlobe can be reduced in the same session; see deep plane facelift.
Children usually have otoplasty alone; combinations are mostly for adult patients.
How Is It Done? (Step by Step)
Measurement and incision behind the ear
The ear-to-head angle is measured; the incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear.
Reshaping the cartilage
The antihelical fold is created with permanent sutures; a deep concha is set back towards the head.
Closure and result
The incision is closed and a bandage applied; the ears sit close to the head at a natural angle.
Measurement and plan
Anesthesia
Incision behind the ear
Antihelical fold
Concha and earlobe
Closure and bandage
The Day of Surgery: Hour by Hour
Uncertainty is the biggest source of anxiety. Knowing in advance how your day will go makes it a far calmer one.
No food or drink from midnight. Make-up, nail polish and jewellery come off; you shower.
You come with your ID; final tests and the anesthesia consultation are completed and consent forms signed.
Marking is done standing and archive photographs are taken. This is the last and best moment for questions.
It takes 1–2 hours. The anesthesia team is with you the whole time; you feel nothing.
You open your eyes in the recovery room. Pain and nausea control start here.
You take your first steps with a nurse — the single most effective step against clot risk.
Bandage care, night headband and medication instructions are given in writing; the first dressing appointment (day 3–7) is booked.
After otoplasty you have a protective bandage around the head; choose front-opening clothes rather than anything pulled over the head. It helps to have someone with you. For the first 24 hours after discharge, do not drive or make important decisions; the anesthesia may not have fully worn off.
Recovery — Day by Day, Week by Week
Sudden one-sided pain or blood seeping from the bandage can signal a hematoma; call your doctor immediately.
Aftercare: Do and Avoid
✓ Do
- Keep the bandage on continuously until it is removed, and keep it dry
- Wear the night headband regularly for 4–6 weeks
- Sleep on your back with the head slightly raised
- Come to your check-ups on time
✕ Avoid
- Lying on the ear
- Tight hoods, hats and helmets that fold the ear forward
- Contact sport and any risk of a blow to the ear for 6 weeks
- Exposing the ear to strong cold or heat (sensation is temporarily reduced)
Possible Risks and Safety
In experienced hands this is a safe operation; even so you should know the possibilities:
- Hematoma: blood collecting behind the ear; rare, but must be recognised early and drained.
- Infection / cartilage inflammation: rare; managed with sterile technique and antibiotics.
- Partial relapse: occurs in a small number of patients; corrected with a minor touch-up.
- Asymmetry: two ears are never identical; measurement keeps it to a minimum.
- Overcorrection: pinning the ear too flat; prevented by aiming for a natural angle.
- Suture end showing: a permanent suture can be felt through the skin; simply removed if needed.
- Thick scar / keloid: can occur behind the ear in predisposed people; managed with follow-up and treatment.
Wearing the night headband regularly and avoiding blows to the ear are the two most effective steps against relapse.
What to Look For When Choosing a Clinic or Surgeon
Fold, concha or both? A ‘standard’ plan given without naming the cause may fall short.
The aim should be a natural angle, not ears pinned flat to the head.
A team experienced in paediatric anesthesia and in working with child patients matters.
General anesthesia must only be given in an approved operating room with an anesthesia team.
Expected Change (Medical Illustration)
By law a surgeon cannot share real patient photographs. The diagram below shows the typical change: seen from behind, prominent ears come closer to the head at a natural angle.
Illustrations are for information; individual results vary with cartilage structure and the cause of prominence, and are not guaranteed.
Why Have Otoplasty in Istanbul?
Turkey is one of the leading centres for facial aesthetic surgery, with high surgical experience, accredited facilities and well-organised, value-focused care.
Extensive otoplasty experience in children and adults.
A day-case procedure and a 4–5 day programme; the first dressing change is done on site.
Ministry-approved operating rooms licensed for health tourism.
A multilingual team and a personal assistant.
Why Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya?
Preparing for Surgery
The ears are photographed from the front, back and side; angle and distance are measured.
Aspirin and blood thinners are stopped 7–10 days before, with your doctor’s approval.
The process is explained to the child in an age-appropriate way; the school schedule is planned around the bandage period.
Long hair is tied away from the ears on the day of surgery; no haircut is needed.
What to bring
- A front-opening or zip-up top (not pulled over the head)
- A wide, soft headband
- A favourite toy or tablet for children
- Your medication list and any reports
- A phone charging cable
- ID/passport
Questions to Ask at the First Consultation
These questions help you make the right decision at the pre-assessment:
- 1Is my prominence caused by the fold, the concha or both?
- 2Which technique will be used and why?
- 3Is the incisionless (thread) method suitable for me?
- 4Which anesthesia will be used?
- 5How long will the bandage and night headband be worn?
- 6When can I return to school/work and to sport?
- 7What happens if there is a relapse?
- 8Will the earlobe be corrected too?
Patients From Abroad / Out of Town
We host patients from 30 countries. You just come; we coordinate the rest.
Initial planning via front and back photos of the ears and an online consultation.
Accommodation, transfer and appointments are planned.
A day-case procedure; the first dressing change and check-up are done on site.
A check before you travel back, then multilingual follow-up.
Otoplasty Price (2026)
A firm price is given after examination, because whether one or both ears are done, the technique, the type of anesthesia and added procedures (such as earlobe correction) vary per person. So you know what is included:
Usually included in the package
- Surgeon, anesthesia and operating-room fee
- Bandage, night headband and medication
- First dressing change and check-ups
- Aftercare guidance
- Transfer and coordination for international patients
Adult operations under local anesthesia can cost less than under general anesthesia. A price far below expectation usually means a compromise on operating-room conditions.
Glossary
- Otoplasty
- The medical name for ear aesthetic surgery.
- Antihelix
- The natural Y-shaped cartilage fold inside the ear.
- Concha
- The hollow around the ear canal (the ear bowl).
- Mustardé suture
- A permanent cartilage suture that creates the antihelical fold.
- Ear-to-head angle
- How far the ear opens from the head; normally about 20–30°.
- Ear moulding
- A non-surgical correction applied to newborns in the first weeks.
Myths and Facts
Let us clear up the most common misconceptions with the facts:
✗ Myth: Prominent ears can be fixed with tape.
✓ Fact: Only in newborns, in the first weeks while the cartilage is soft, does moulding work. After that, tape makes no permanent change.
✗ Myth: Ear surgery damages hearing.
✓ Fact: Only the outer ear is operated on; the ear canal and inner ear are not affected.
✗ Myth: A child’s ears straighten as they grow.
✓ Fact: The shape of the cartilage does not change on its own after age 5–6; prominence usually stays the same.
✗ Myth: The thread method suits everyone.
✓ Fact: The thread method only suits mild prominence with soft cartilage; with stiff cartilage the relapse risk is high.
