Ear Surgery

If you are worried about the size or shape of your or your child’s ears, you should thoroughly consider otoplasty.

What is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is an aesthetic procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the ears. It helps to reposition, reshape, or resize the ears. Ear abnormalities such as deformity, protrusion, unevenness or simply big size, whether it is congenital or caused by injuries, can be corrected with ear surgery. It is generally done to reduce the size of large ears, and also the ears that stick out too far from the head by pinning them back closer to the head.

Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, mostly done on children between the ages of 4-14.*1 A child’s ear cartilage and ears are almost fully grown and stable enough at the age of 4-6 and the earlier the surgery, the better for children because it means less mockery. It can also be done on older patients with generally no additional risks.

Learn More

Problems & Solutions

Otoplasty can correct all kinds of cosmetic problems about the ears. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

My ears stick out too much. This makes me self-conscious.

If you have protruding ears, you should really consider ear pinning. Ear pinning is a type of otoplasty...

My 4-year-old son has bat ears. Should we wait for until he is 7?

Children are able to have otoplasty when the ears are almost fully grown, and the ear cartilage complete its...

My 6 months old infant has prominent ears.

Otoplasty is generally not suitable for children younger than 4 because the ears are still growing, and the ear...

I don’t want to refrain from my swimming for a long period.

At the end of the surgery, bandages will be wrapped around your ears and, within a few days, they will be...

I’m looking for a nonsurgical ear pinning option.

If you do not want to have traditional otoplasty, you can be a candidate for nonsurgical otoplasty which does...

How soon after getting an otoplasty, could I fly safely?

This can change from patient to patient based on the course of events. Most patients will want to...

My ear lobes are very large, but they are not protruding.

When your ears are larger than normal, even if they don’t protrude, you may consider otoplasty...

Testimonials

Experience speaks for itself! Hear out what our patients have said:

Because of my large bat ears, I was bullied when I was a teenager, always feel embarrassed and fragile. Having otoplasty changed my life and gave me my confidence back. Now I can tie back my hair without being full of shame.
Jonathan David Ear Surgery
I was worried I will have a hard time communicating if I choose to have surgery abroad. I was extremely surprised when I realize how well they speak English! They are also really experienced caring for foreign patients.
Maria Milena Ear Surgery

Why Clineca?

At Clineca, we take everything seriously. We understand how important the results are for you. We care about your health and comfort as much as you do. From beginning to end, we inform you, guide you, serve you, and help you.

Fully Set Hospitals


Surgeries are performed in prestigious fully equipped hospitals in which doctors from all specialties are present.

Free Consultation


You will have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. After an online examination, and will help you to choose what's the best.

Superior Quality


We cooperate with the surgeons who perform a limited number of surgeries each week to ensure the best results.

24/7 Assistance


You can contact our agents 7 days and 24 hours for your questions and concerns, or only support. We'll be fully available for your service.

5-Star Hotels


We provide you with special discounts in luxurious hotels in the vicinity of the hospital. Your comfort is very important to us.

VIP Transportation


We provide airport transfer and transportation between your hotel and the hospital before/after the surgery via VIP vehicles.

Wellbeing Support


As Clineca, we provide you with patient accompaniment, who will visit you every day in your hotel room during the resting period.

No Hidden Costs


The price includes fees of the surgeon, operating room, hospitalization, tests, medications and medical visits by a nurse.

All-Inclusive


The price includes hotel layover (including breakfast), and transportation between the airport, the hotel and the hospital.

Services & Products


Interpreter service, BBL pillow, neck pillow (rhinoplasty), eye mask, voltage converter and many others that will enhance your satisfaction.

Why Turkey?


Turkey is a leading player in medical tourism, and Istanbul, which is an extremely beautiful touristic city, is the plastic surgery capital of Turkey.

Step by Step Experience for International Patients

Clineca has a holistic approach. We believe that everything should be right for a satisfactory cosmetic surgery experience, including your days in Istanbul. We plan every detail of your journey.

1
Knowing Each Other

After you fill the form, one of our agents will contact you. They will inform you about the whole experience, in detail. If requested, they will arrange an online consultation for you.

2
Online Consultation

You'll have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. They will perform an online examination and help you to choose what the best approach to your case is.

3
Planning

We'll plan your whole journey including your surgery date and accommodation. We'll inform you about every need; from preparing your suitcase to advice before the procedure.

4
Landing

Our VIP transportation vehicle will be ready at the airport for you. We’ll drive you to the hospital and they'll get a blood and the C19 test. Then, we'll take you to your hotel.

5
Examination & Surgery

We’ll take you from your hotel to the hospital. After your examination, the same day you’ll have the surgery. You will stay at the hospital 1-2 day(s), depending on the procedure.

6
Resting & Recovering

After your stay at the hospital, we'll drive you to your hotel. A wellbeing assistant will visit you every day to inform you, to examine, and to provide medical care during the week.

7
Entertainment

We'll gladly and proudly show you around our beautiful city. We’ll be very happy to provide you with professional guidance in historical sightseeing, shopping and entertainment.

8
Follow-Up & Leaving

We’ll take you to 1-week follow-up. After your examination and removal of bandages if required, we’ll inform you about the recovery period. Then, we'll drive you to the airport.

9
Recovery Period

During your recovery, we'll inform you, check on you, and answer your questions 24 hours and 7 days. We'll expect you to send photos periodically to follow your recovery period.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Ear Surgery?

It is not hard to be eligible for an otoplasty procedure. If you are reading this, you are probably a candidate!

You may be a good candidate:

  • If you have undesirable ear shape or size, such as bat ear and large ears
  • If you have misshapen ears because of congenital deformity or trauma
  • If your ears protrude outside
  • If you are healthy and have no chronic ear infection

Children are able to have otoplasty when the ears are almost fully grown, and the ear cartilage has completed its development and is stable enough for correction.

Learn More

What Are The Expected Outcomes of Ear Surgery?

The outcomes of otoplasty can be analyzed in two main categories: aesthetical and psychological.

Aesthetical Outcomes

Ear surgery can address all kinds of aesthetical concerns about your ears. It corrects the undesirable appearance of your ears. It reduces the size of the ears, reshapes them, and repositions them to an optimal position. If you have protruding ears, they are pinned back closer to the head. Through otoplasty, you will have more proper and proportional ears.

Psychological Outcomes

The psychological outcomes of the procedure are as important as the physical ones. For most people, disproportionate appearance of the ears, such as large or bat ears, or defects because of traumas can be a serious concern. If you are not happy with the appearance of your ears, you can experience serious psychological distress, which can negatively affect your self-confidence as well as your social life. After the procedure, you will have a more positive self-image.

How Is The Ear Surgery Done?

The ear surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed to change the appearance of the ears. It is customized according to the needs and wishes of the patient.

Anesthesia

At first, you will receive anesthetics. Depending on the particular case, the surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation.

Your surgeon will probably recommend general anesthesia if your child is young, but for older children, they may prefer local anesthesia with sedation.

Surgery

The specifics of the surgery depend on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s approach. Each patient is a unique case and what is suitable depends on the anatomical characteristics as well as the desired goals. Our contracted surgeons are capable of performing several different surgical techniques, and they will perform a customized surgery with the most suitable technique for each particular patient.

In general, depending on your anatomical characteristics and desired goals, your surgeon can make an incision which is hidden inside or behind the ear. Usually, small incisions are made within the natural fold behind the ear and then the visible scarring is very little. Based on your needs and goals, your surgeon will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back closer to the head, and if it is necessary, they will remove the excess skin and then your ears will be reshaped and repositioned to provide a more aesthetic appearance.*2 Permanent sutures can be used to pin back protruding ears and even if only one of your ears is misshapen, generally both ears will be operated on to assure a symmetrical appearance. The ear surgery can take about 2 hours.

Risks and Complications*3*4


Ear surgery for aesthetical reasons, also called otoplasty, have complications that can be divided into early and late complications. Experience of the surgeon plays an important role in reducing the potential risks. Below are the potential Risks and Complications:

    Early Complications (Post-Operative):

  • Hematoma: It can form 1-3 days after the surgery. If occurs, needs to be immediately taken care of, as if not can lead to cartilage and skin necrosis, can even lead to cauliflower deformity (you can see this deformity in boxers/fighters frequently).
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Dehiscence: The incision site reopens due to faulty wound healing, also known as wound separation.
  • Necrosis of the skin

    Late Complications:

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Poor aesthetic outcomes: The most common complication. Over-correction, improperly placed sutures, and over-tightening are the major causes.
  • Suture extrusion: If your tissues heal too quickly, dissolvable deep sutures may not be digested and are slowly forced out (extruded), non-dissolvable sutures can also be extruded, and it may happen even 50 years after the surgery.

What to Expect During the Ear Surgery Recovery?

The First Week

At the end of the surgery, bandages will be wrapped around your ears and, within a few days, they will be replaced with a lighter elastic headband which allows avoiding rolling over your ears. It is important to keep this headband in place unless instructed to do otherwise by your surgeon. Stitches or sutures are generally dissolvable, if not, they will be removed in about a week. You should avoid washing your hair with shampoo for at least one week after the operation. There may be throbbing or aching in your ears for a few days, but they can be eased with the help of painkillers. While resting, it is recommended that you keep your head elevated to reduce discomfort. Most adults are able to go back to work about 5 to 7 days after the surgery, and the children are able to go back to school after 7 days or so.

Later

Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities about 5 to 7 days after surgery. You may need to take one week off work or school. Your elastic headband should be worn for 4 weeks. You can experience some swelling and bruising, but they will subside in about 3 to 4 weeks. Any activity that might bend the ears should be avoided for at least a month or so. Strenuous activity should be limited for the first couple of months. After a few months, the recovery will be completed. During the whole recovery period, your surgeon and Clineca will inform and guide you.

Guidance & Support

A wellbeing assistant will visit you in your hotel room every day during the first week after the surgery. We will expect you to be in our clinic for your post-op examination 1 week after the surgery, before you leave Istanbul. We will still follow your recovery process while you are away. Clineca will provide you with complete support and inform you about everything you need to know during your recovery. We will be with you from your consultation to the very end of your recovery.

Quote from the Doctor

“Thanks to otoplasty, we are able to address all kinds of cosmetic and aesthetical concerns about the ears. You don’t need to feel bad because of the appearance of your ears!”

What to Do Before Ear Surgery?

During your online consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination. Your surgeon will inform you about everything you need to know before the surgery. Clineca will provide you with complete guidance and support before your surgery. You will have a complete and detailed list of instructions.

Most important instructions include,

  • Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 2 weeks before the procedure.
  • Avoid herbal remedies and supplements
  • Take only the medications approved by your surgeon.
  • Rinse the skin around your ears with warm water.

What to Do After Ear Surgery?

What you need to do after the surgery will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon and Clineca will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Most important instructions include:

  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • You will be seen in the next few days for bandages or dressings.
  • When the dressings are removed, you will be able to shower and wash your hair.
  • Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after the surgery until your surgeon approves using them.
  • Take pain medication and antibiotics prescribed for you by your surgeon.
  • You should rest with your head elevated.
  • Avoid any activity that may affect the ears until the ears are fully healed.
  • And don’t forget to share photos of your new ears!

Quote from the Doctor

“Ear surgery is not exclusive to congenital problems. It can effectively correct injured ears, too.”

FAQ

We know you have many questions. Having realistic expectations and deciding to have a cosmetic surgery requires information. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about ear surgery.

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct all kinds of cosmetic problems about the ears. It is performed to resize, reshape, and reposition the ears. Protruding, uneven, or large ears can be corrected with otoplasty.
All surgical procedures have some risks. However, if it is performed by an experienced and talented surgeon, the risk of having a serious problem is very small.
During the surgery, you will not feel pain because local or general anesthesia is what typically is used. Your surgeon will decide what is the best option for you and in either case, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Ear pinning is performed to pin back overly apparent, protruding ears closer to the head.
Generally, local anesthesia is used. In certain cases, general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious, can also be used. Your surgeon will decide what’s the best option for you.
If you are not happy with the size or the shape of your ears, then you can be a good candidate for otoplasty.
An otoplasty can take about 2 hours.
A child’s ear cartilage and ears are almost fully grown and durable enough around the ages of 4-6. Older patients can have otoplasty at all ages with no additional risks, in general.
Asymmetry in the ears is natural to a certain extent, but if there is an unnatural appearance around your ears, it can be corrected via otoplasty.
Usually, small incisions are made within the natural fold behind the ear and the visible scarring is very small.
Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities about 5 to 7 days after the surgery. The elastic headband should be worn for 4 weeks. You can experience some swelling and bruising, which will subside in about 3 to 4 weeks.
You can experience some swelling and bruising, which will subside about 3 to 4 weeks.
Especially in the ear surgeries, the risk of a serious problem is very small. But from the ones that occur, the most common ones are infection and blood clots.
Any activity that might bend the ears should be avoided for at least a month or so. Strenuous activity should be limited for the first couple of months. Your surgeon will follow your recovery and will tell you when you are ready.
If you work with highly experienced and understanding doctors such as our clinic’s contracted doctors who have one of the highest patient satisfaction rates in the country, you will absolutely be satisfied with your results. They are highly experienced in ear surgeries and with their stuff they work tenderly to provide high quality care and fascinating results. Moreover, as Clineca we provide support throughout your experience in Istanbul, from medical equipments to 7/24 translators to providing you with wellbeing assistance.
Your surgeon will prepare a detailed and customized plan according to your goals, desires, and expectations. They will ask you some questions about your medical history. It is of critical importance that you give your doctor every detail, from the conditions you might have to the operations you had in the past, to the medications and supplements you use, to minimize the risks the surgery could bring. They will also conduct a physical examination, and provide treatment options and before-after photos.
At Clineca, we are using a 3D Imaging System. This technology provides a preview of your ears before your otoplasty procedure begins.
Through otoplasty, you will have aesthetically even and well-proportioned ears. The appearance of your ears will fit better to the rest of your body.
The results of otoplasty are permanent. Although, in some rare cases, revisions may be needed.
Otoplasty is not a functional but a cosmetic procedure, and it will not affect your hearing.

Problems & Solutions

Otoplasty can correct all kinds of cosmetic problems about the ears. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

If you have protruding ears, you can consider ear pinning. Ear pinning is a type of otoplasty which is performed to correct protruding ears. Through ear pinning, you can have more natural looking and well-proportioned ears. During the ear pinning surgery, your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear. Generally, small incisions are made within the natural fold behind the ear and thus the visible scarring is very little. Based on your needs and goals, your surgeon will sculpt the cartilage, bend it back closer to the head, and remove the excess skin and then your ears will have been reshaped and repositioned to provide a more aesthetic appearance. Permanent sutures can be used to pin back protruding ears and even if only one of your ears is problematic, generally both ears will be operated on to assure a symmetrical appearance.
Children are able to have otoplasty when the ears are almost fully grown, and the ear cartilage has completed its development and is durable enough for correction. Otoplasty is mostly done on the children between the ages of 4-14. A child’s ear cartilage and ears are almost fully grown and durable enough around the ages of 4-6 and the earlier the surgery, the better for the children because it means less subjection to mockery. Children with bat ears are generally fragile because of getting bullied at school and as a result experience serious psychological distress, which can negatively affect their self-confidence and also their social lives. Some surgeons may recommend that you should wait until your child wants the change, since they become more cooperative during the procedure if they want to have the surgery. During the consultation, your surgeon will give you further information and recommend the best option for your case.
Otoplasty is generally not suitable for children younger than 4. The reason for that is the ears are still in development, and the ear cartilage is too soft to hold the sutures at younger ages. Although, in rare cases, the procedure can be done as early as age of 3. When babies are born, their cartilage is very soft, and it can sometimes be reshaped through special splints. Wearing special splints on the ears to hold them in the correct position may help to reshape babies’ ears. However, this method should be applied before 6 months of age. When the baby is older than 6 months, a surgical procedure is needed to reshape prominent ears. If you get an appointment from our clinic, your surgeon will give you detailed information and recommend the best option for your case. Please contact us for further information and consultation.
At the end of the surgery, bandages will be wrapped around your ears and, within a few days, they will be replaced with a lighter elastic headband which allows avoiding rolling over your ears. It is important to keep this headband in place unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon. Your elastic headband should be worn for at least 4 weeks. Stitches or sutures are generally dissolvable, if not, they will be removed in about a week. You can experience some swelling and bruising, which will subside in about 3 to 4 weeks. That is to say, a few months after the surgery, most of the recovery will be completed. However, there is always a danger of infection that can be contracted from the pool, lake, sea or even the bathtub water, and it is best to wait for at least 4 weeks before swimming to make sure that everything has healed properly. You should be strictly following the instructions given to you by your surgeon.
If you do not want to have traditional otoplasty, you can be a candidate for nonsurgical otoplasty which does not require any incisions. It only uses special sutures to pin your ears back and these sutures are not visible and woven into your ears which will remain there permanently. Without incisions, scarring will not be an issue with this nonsurgical otoplasty option. You will need to wear a headband at nights for 1 to 2 weeks and you will only experience mild discomfort and swelling during your recovery. You will be able to return to daily activities after a few days. The procedure only requires local anesthesia, and it takes about an hour to complete. And if you are not happy with the results, they can be reversed several days after the surgery. Please contact us for further information and consultation.
This can change from patient to patient based on the course of events. Most patients will want to wait at least 10 to 14 days to fly after they have had surgery. Generally, after the surgery, it is recommended that you should stay in town at least for a week. Flying is generally safe one week after the surgery. By then, most of the pain and discomfort will be diminished. However, you can receive the best advice from a consultation. This decision should be discussed in detail with your surgeon.
When your ears are larger than normal, even if they don’t protrude, you may consider otoplasty, specifically ear reduction, which is a type of otoplasty, performed to reduce the size of your ears. In general, depending on your anatomical characteristics and desired goals, your surgeon can make an incision which is hidden inside or behind the ear. Usually, small incisions are made within the natural fold behind the ear and the visible scars are very small. According to your needs and goals, your surgeon will remove the excess skin and cartilage, sculpt the outsized ear lobes and apply sutures and stitches, which may be permanent. Then your ears will have been reduced, resized, and repositioned to provide a more aesthetic appearance.
References

1. Schneider, A. L., & Sidle, D. M. (2018). Cosmetic Otoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 26(1), 19–29. https://doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2017.09.004

2. Schneider, A. L., & Sidle, D. M. (2018). Cosmetic Otoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 26(1), 19–29. https://doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2017.09.004

3. Gault, D. (2020, October 22). Suture extrusion – David Gault FRCS. Retrieved May 12, 2022. https://davidgault.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000598771-Suture-extrusion

4. Kennedy KL, Katrib Z. Otoplasty. [Updated 2021 Jul 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538320/