Facial Aesthetics
Otoplasty in Istanbul
Otoplasty reshapes the ear cartilage so that prominent ears sit closer to the head or look more balanced. It is commonly performed in adults as well as children. Results vary between individuals.
Quick facts
- Procedure
- Otoplasty (ear pinning)
- Anaesthesia
- Local with sedation, or general
- Typical procedure time
- 1–2 hours
- Hospital stay
- Day case
- Recommended stay in Istanbul
- 5–7 days
- Initial recovery
- 1 week
- Return to work
- 5–7 days
- Exercise
- Walking immediately; contact sports after 6 weeks
- Final results
- 3 months
- Follow-up
- Before departure, then remote
Typical ranges only — your specialist will advise on your individual plan. Results vary between individuals.
What is Otoplasty?
Prominent ears usually result from an underdeveloped fold of cartilage (antihelical fold) or an enlarged bowl of cartilage (conchal bowl). Many adult women have been self-conscious about their ears since childhood.
Otoplasty reshapes, folds or reduces cartilage, using permanent sutures, cartilage scoring or removal, to set the ears closer to the head. Earlobe reduction or correction of asymmetry can be included.
Who may be suitable?
- Ears that protrude or are asymmetrical
- Good general health
- Non-smoking
- Realistic expectations about symmetry, as ears are rarely identical
- Willing to wear a protective headband as advised
What can this procedure address?
- Prominent or protruding ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Large or stretched earlobes
- An underdeveloped ear fold
Consultation & assessment
In your online assessment you share front, back and profile photographs of your ears confidentially, along with your medical history.
Your surgeon examines you in Istanbul before surgery is confirmed, assessing the cartilage and planned changes. Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed with you.
How the procedure is performed
An incision is made in the crease behind the ear. The cartilage is reshaped using sutures, scoring or removal to create a natural fold and reduce projection.
The incision is closed and a padded dressing is applied, followed by a protective headband.
Anaesthesia
Adult otoplasty is often performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, although general anaesthesia may be used. Your surgeon will advise.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Ears feel sore, tight and throbbing. A dressing is worn and you rest with your head elevated.
Week 1
The dressing is removed and replaced with a headband. Sutures may be removed.
Weeks 2–3
Swelling settles. The headband is usually worn at night.
Week 6
Night-time headband use often ends. Contact sports can usually resume with approval.
3 months
Final shape settles and scars fade.
What to expect during the first week
- Keep the dressing dry and in place
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated
- Avoid pressure on the ears
- Report severe pain, especially on one side, as this may signal haematoma
- Take medication as prescribed
When can I fly?
Flying after facial surgery is usually possible within about a week, but your surgeon decides when it is appropriate for you, based on swelling, wound healing and your general health. Ears can feel uncomfortable with cabin pressure changes, so follow your surgeon's advice.
When can I return to work?
Most women return to desk-based work after 5–7 days. A headband can be concealed under hair or a scarf.
When can I exercise?
Walking is encouraged. Avoid strenuous exercise for two to three weeks and contact sports for around six weeks.
Scars
Scars sit in the crease behind the ear and are usually well hidden. Occasionally, raised scars or keloids may form.
Results
Otoplasty can set the ears closer to the head and improve balance. Your surgeon may review consented before and after photographs with you. Results vary between individuals.
Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after
How long do results last?
Results are generally long-lasting, although some partial relapse can occur.
Potential risks and complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.
- Haematoma, which needs prompt treatment
- Infection of the skin or cartilage
- Asymmetry
- Partial relapse of ear prominence
- Over-correction, creating an unnatural pinned-back look
- Suture extrusion or palpable sutures
- Raised or keloid scars
- Altered sensation of the ear
- General risks of anaesthesia
Choosing a surgeon
- Specialist training in plastic surgery or ENT/facial plastic surgery
- Registration with the Turkish Medical Association and relevant society membership that you can verify
- Experience with adult otoplasty
- Consented before and after photographs reviewed with you
- Hospital privileges and a clear aftercare plan
Otoplasty in Istanbul
Women choose Istanbul for otoplasty because of experienced surgeons and coordinated care. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.
A stay of around 5–7 days allows for dressing removal and a check before flying.
The cost of otoplasty in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity, whether one or both ears are treated, combined procedures and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.
Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.
Your hospital
Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities
International patient journey
- 1
Confidential Enquiry
Tell us what you would like to change or understand. You can securely send photographs, your medical history or existing reports — or simply start with a conversation.
- 2
Medical Assessment
A patient coordinator reviews your information and directs your case to an appropriate specialist for an initial medical assessment, often by video consultation.
- 3
Specialist Recommendation
A physician assesses your case before any operation is recommended. Sometimes the right advice is a different approach, a staged plan — or no treatment at all.
- 4
Personalised Treatment Plan
You receive a written plan setting out the proposed treatment, hospital, doctor, recommended stay in Istanbul and the estimated recovery process.
- 5
Travel to Istanbul
Transfers, accommodation and appointments are coordinated before you arrive. You meet your surgeon in person, and pre-operative tests are completed before surgery is confirmed.
- 6
Treatment & Aftercare
Treatment takes place in a private hospital, followed by post-operative checks in Istanbul, a written recovery plan and structured remote follow-up when you return home.
Aftercare when you return home
- Wear the headband as instructed
- Avoid pressure on the ears while sleeping
- Send photographs for remote review
- Seek medical attention for increasing pain or signs of infection
Otoplasty: frequently asked questions
Is otoplasty suitable for adults?
Yes. Adult cartilage is firmer than in children, but otoplasty is commonly performed in adults.
Will my ears match exactly?
Ears are rarely identical. The aim is improved balance, but small differences often remain.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
Most women stay around 5–7 days.
When can I fly home?
Flying after facial surgery is usually possible within about a week, but your surgeon decides when it is appropriate for you, based on swelling, wound healing and your general health.
What affects the cost of otoplasty in Turkey?
Cost depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment.
Can I see before and after results?
Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed with your surgeon. Results vary between individuals.
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined following assessment by a qualified physician.
From the Women’s Journal
Further reading
Private & confidential
Get a Confidential Medical Opinion
Share your goals for otoplasty and any relevant medical history. A patient coordinator will review your enquiry and arrange a specialist assessment.