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Otoplasty reshapes the ear cartilage to bring ears that stick out too far into a more natural position. The incision is made in the natural fold behind the ear, so the scar stays hidden. It takes about 2 hours, under local anesthesia in adults and general anesthesia in children. A pressure dressing is worn for the first week, followed by an ear band for 4–6 weeks. In children, surgery is usually performed before starting school, at around age 6; there is no age limit for adults.
What Is Ear Surgery?
The most common ear problem is prominent ears, which are corrected with otoplasty. Ear surgery can also be performed for:
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Ear fold deformities (in Turkish)
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Earlobe problems caused by earring injuries (in Turkish)
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Congenital earlobe problems
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Macrotia (ears that are larger than normal)
Prominent Ears: Signs and Causes
Sign
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An increased angle between the ear and the head
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Ears that stick out more than normal
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An underdeveloped fold in the ear (antihelix)
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A deep or large ear bowl (concha)
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Asymmetry
The angle between the ear and the scalp is normally about 25–35 degrees; angles over 40 degrees are considered prominent ears.
Prominent ears do not cause a physical health problem; however, they can cause aesthetic concerns, the need to hide the ears under the hair and, especially in childhood, social shyness.
Causes
Congenital differences in cartilage: Ear cartilage that stands forward and spreads outward, and an underdeveloped ear fold (antihelix), create the appearance of prominent ears.
Genetic tendency: Prominent ears are more common in people with a family history of the same ear shape.
Position and shape differences: Underdeveloped ear folds and a large ear bowl (concha) increase how far the ear sticks out.
Kulak kepçesi ile saçlı deri arasındaki açı normalin üzerinde olduğunda kulak çıkıntılı görünür.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is usually performed for:
Children and teenagers (most common): Because prominent ears become more noticeable once children start school, surgery is preferred for children whose self-confidence and social life are affected. For the right timing and how to prepare your child for surgery, see our article Prominent ear surgery in children (in Turkish).
Adults: People who are still bothered by the appearance of their ears or who postponed surgery in childhood. Otoplasty can be performed at any age in adults; however, the cartilage may become harder to shape with age. For details on surgery and returning to work in adults, see our article Prominent ear surgery in adults (in Turkish).
People with ear shape or position problems: Especially when the cartilage stands forward and outward and the ear fold (antihelix) is weak.
People with problems in one or both ears: Depending on the examination, correction can be planned to improve symmetry.
The decision for surgery is made after evaluating the structure of the ear cartilage, how far the ear sticks out and your general health.
Pre-operative Assessment
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Examination of the ear structure
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Blood tests
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Risk assessment (smoking, chronic diseases, medication use)
How Is Otoplasty Performed?
Although different techniques can be used for each person, the general steps of the surgery are:
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An incision is made in the fold behind the ear.
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The ear cartilage is folded and shaped with permanent stitches.
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If the cartilage is overdeveloped, part of it may be removed or thinned.
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Permanent stitches are placed between the ear cartilage and the firm tissues under the scalp to reduce the angle between the ear and the head.
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The earlobe is also reshaped if needed.
The Surgery
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Local anesthesia in adults, general anesthesia in children
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Takes about 2 hours on average
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Adults can usually go home the same day
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Children usually stay in hospital for one night
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A pressure dressing is applied around the head at the end of surgery.
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You may feel pressure and tenderness around the ears in the first days.
🌿 Does an ear band work for prominent ears? For details, see our article Do ear bands work for prominent ears? (in Turkish).
Recovery
First days (first 24–48 hours)
You may feel tightness, swelling, pain and mild to moderate discomfort in the ears. The painkillers we recommend make this period more comfortable.
First week
The pressure dressing protects the new shape of the ears. The dressing is first opened on day 1 or 2, then changed every two days. Swelling and bruising are normal. After days 5–7, you switch to an ear band.
Weeks 1–2
Swelling starts to decrease noticeably. Most people can return to their daily routine during this period. The ear band is worn day and night for the first 2 weeks, then mainly at night until weeks 4–6.
Weeks 2–6
The new appearance of the ears becomes clearer and more stable. Physical activity is increased carefully and gradually. The ear band is stopped at weeks 4–6.
6 weeks and after
The final appearance has largely settled. How long the results last also depends on the technique used and on following the aftercare instructions.
What Should You Pay Attention To?
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For the first week, sleep on your back with your head raised. For sleeping position and wearing the ear band at night, see our article How to sleep after otoplasty (in Turkish).
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Wear the ear band for 4–6 weeks.
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Protect your ears from pressure, knocks and blows.
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If anything unusual happens (increasing pain, worsening redness or discharge, fever), contact us without delay.
Risks and Complications
Otoplasty is performed safely and successfully in most patients. However, as with any surgery, some risks and possible complications may occur:
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Bleeding (hematoma): Blood may collect after surgery. Although rare, further treatment may be needed.
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Infection: It may show itself with redness, discharge, increasing pain and fever at the incision site.
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Wound healing problems: There is a risk of separation of the incision, delayed healing or scarring.
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Asymmetry: The two ears may not be corrected to exactly the same degree; in some cases, a revision may be needed.
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Recurrence: Rarely, the ears may stick out again slightly over time.
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Cartilage irregularities: Irregularities, firmness or contour differences may develop at the folds.
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Numbness or changes in sensation: Temporary reduced sensation, especially near the incision, or rarely permanent changes may occur.
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Anesthesia-related risks: Although rare, general anesthesia or sedation risks such as nausea and allergic reactions may occur.
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Scar-related aesthetic problems: In people prone to keloid or hypertrophic scars, the scar may be more visible.
When Should You Contact Us Urgently?
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Severe pain that increases and does not go away
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Worsening redness or discharge at the incision site
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Fever
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Rapidly increasing swelling or suspected bleeding
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The dressing slipping, being damaged or loosening unexpectedly
Otoplasty Results and How Long They Last
In the days after otoplasty, there is a clear improvement in the appearance of the ears. At first the ears may look pinned back because of the dressing; over time they open by about 1–2 mm and reach their final shape. Full shaping is complete in 3–6 months.
The results are usually permanent; rarely, the ears open more than expected and a revision may be needed.
For details on whether the ears can open again after surgery, see our article Can the ears stick out again after otoplasty? (in Turkish).
Otoplasty FAQ
Why do prominent ears occur? Are they genetic?
Prominent ears are usually congenital. They occur when the ear fold (antihelix) is underdeveloped or the cartilage in the middle part of the ear is overdeveloped. They are more common in people with a family history of similar ears.
Can prominent ears be corrected without surgery?
In infancy, shaping with an ear band or ear molding may be possible. In later childhood and in adults, the permanent solution is surgery (otoplasty).
→ Details: Non-surgical correction of prominent ears · Do ear bands work for prominent ears? (in Turkish)
Is otoplasty difficult or risky?
Otoplasty is performed through an incision behind the ear and is carried out safely in most patients. Risks such as bleeding, infection or asymmetry are rare and are discussed in detail during the consultation before surgery.
Is otoplasty painful?
There is no pain during surgery because anesthesia is used. Afterwards, there may be mild to moderate discomfort, which is controlled with the painkillers we recommend.
Does otoplasty leave a scar?
We make the incision in the natural fold behind the ear. This keeps the scar hidden in most cases; how the scar looks can vary depending on the person and their skin type.
Do the stitches need to be removed after otoplasty?
Dissolvable stitches are used for the skin incisions; they disappear on their own within a few weeks.
How long is the ear band worn?
We generally ask you to support the ears with an ear band for 4–6 weeks. The band is especially important at night, to prevent the ear from folding during sleep. This period may vary depending on healing and the technique used.
When can I do sports after otoplasty?
Light walking can be done early on. For contact sports and activities where the ears could be hit, you need to wait 6–8 weeks.
When will the results be visible?
In the first days, the appearance may not have settled because of swelling and bruising. The appearance largely settles within 6 weeks, and full shaping is complete in 3–6 months. It is normal for the ears to open by 1–2 mm during this time.
When is a revision (second surgery) considered?
Rarely, a revision may be considered for asymmetry, irregularities, or when the target ear angle is not maintained. Revisions are usually performed after healing is complete, 6 months to 1 year after surgery, and mostly through the same incision.
→ Details: Can the ears stick out again after otoplasty? (in Turkish)
Otoplasty Cost in Türkiye
The cost of otoplasty varies depending on:
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The scope of the surgery
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Whether one or both ears are treated
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The surgical technique used
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The treatment plan, which depends on the structure of the cartilage
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The hospital where the surgery is performed
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The type of anesthesia
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The consultation and follow-up process
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Any additional needs identified during the examination
The most accurate price is determined after the consultation, with a personalized plan.
Information and Booking
If prominent ears bother you, let’s find the most suitable technique for you and plan your treatment together during your consultation. You can send your photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary assessment, or book a consultation online. If you live abroad, this also helps us plan your trip and your stay in Türkiye.
This page was prepared and reviewed by Op. Dr. Nurgül Altuntaş .
Last update: October 2026
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