Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD). Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, reshapes ears that stick out or are misshapen, setting them into a natural position closer to the head. It is a straightforward, life-changing procedure for many people who have felt self-conscious for years, and it suits both adults and children.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty corrects prominent (“protruding”) ears and certain shape irregularities by reshaping the cartilage and, where needed, repositioning the ear closer to the head. The goal is natural balance — ears that simply look normal, not obviously operated.
How prominent ears are corrected
Otoplasty reshapes the ear cartilage to set prominent ears closer to the head. The technique is chosen for your ear’s shape.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Suture technique (Mustardé / Furnas) | Permanent stitches recreate the natural fold and set the ear back without removing cartilage — cartilage-sparing. |
| Cartilage-scoring / reshaping | The cartilage is gently weakened or reshaped where it is too stiff or lacks a fold. |
| Adults | Usually under local anaesthetic with sedation, as a day case. |
| Children | Usually under general anaesthesia; commonly considered from around age 5–6, once the ears are near adult size. |
Are you a good candidate?
- Ears that protrude or are noticeably asymmetric.
- Adults, and children usually from around school age once the ears are largely grown.
- Good general health and realistic expectations.
It is one of the few aesthetic procedures commonly performed in childhood, because it can spare a child years of self-consciousness — a decision made carefully with the family.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
How it is performed
Through an incision behind the ear (well hidden in the natural fold), the cartilage is reshaped and, if needed, the ear is set closer to the head with fine sutures. It is usually done under local anaesthetic with sedation in adults, or general anaesthesia in children.
Recovery
A supportive head dressing is worn for the first days, then a lighter band, often at night, for a few weeks. Swelling and tenderness settle over one to two weeks, and most people return to normal activities quickly, avoiding contact to the ears while healing.
Risks and safety, honestly
Otoplasty is a well-established, generally safe day-case procedure, but honesty about risk matters. Alongside general surgical risks the specific ones are a small chance of partial recurrence (the ear drifting back out over time), minor asymmetry, or a stitch becoming palpable. Careful technique and wearing the supportive headband as advised reduce these. At Clinic Elia the procedure is performed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya at Acıbadem, with realistic expectations set in advance.
Results
Otoplasty results are permanent and, done well, entirely natural — the ears look balanced rather than “pinned.” The scar sits hidden behind the ear.
Cost in Turkey
Otoplasty in Turkey costs well below UK, EU and North American prices, within an all-inclusive package. Your quote follows an assessment.
Your surgeon
Procedures at Clinic Elia are led by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya, a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Your suitability and plan are confirmed after an honest assessment.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child have otoplasty?
Usually from around school age, once the ears are largely grown. It is decided carefully with the family and surgeon.
Where is the scar?
Behind the ear, hidden in the natural fold, so it is not visible from the front.
Will my ears look pinned back?
No — a good result looks natural and balanced, not over-corrected or flattened.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is mild and well controlled. A dressing protects the ears in the first days.
How long is recovery?
Most people return to normal activities within a week or two, wearing a light band at night for a few weeks and avoiding knocks to the ears.
Are the results permanent?
Yes — the reshaped cartilage holds its new position permanently.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually only a few days, confirmed in your plan.
What age can it be done?
Ears are near adult size from about age 5–6, so children are often treated then; adults can have it at any age.
Will the ears stay back permanently?
Results are long-lasting, but a small chance of partial recurrence exists; following the headband advice protects the result.
Where is the scar?
Behind the ear, in the natural fold, where it is very well hidden.
Can just one ear be done?
Yes, if only one is prominent, though surgeons balance both for symmetry.
Is there a non-surgical option?
Non-surgical moulding works only in the first weeks of a baby’s life; for older children and adults, surgery is the option.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
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Considering ear surgery?
Send photos of your ears from the front and side on WhatsApp for a free, honest assessment. See also plastic surgery in Turkey.