At a glance
- What is otoplasty? The operation that brings prominent ears closer to the head by reshaping the cartilage, while keeping a natural relief.
- From what age? From about 6 or 7, when the ear has almost reached adult size. There is no upper age limit for adults.
- How is it done? One to two hours, under local anaesthesia in adults, through an incision hidden behind the ear, usually as a day case.
- What is the recovery like? A dressing for a few days, then a headband at night for several weeks. Back to work after about a week, contact sports after six weeks.
- How much does it cost in Turkey? On quote, in a package including a 5-star hotel and transfers, compared with roughly £3,500 to £6,000 in UK private clinics.
Prominent ears can weigh on people from childhood: teasing, long hair to hide them, discomfort in photos. Otoplasty brings them closer to the head in a short procedure, with a scar hidden behind the ear and a result that is generally permanent.
Why do ears stick out?
Prominence comes from the ear cartilage. Two causes, sometimes combined, explain most cases:
- A missing or weak antihelical fold: the Y-shaped ridge inside the ear does not fold enough, so the ear opens forward.
- A conchal bowl that is too deep: the hollow leading to the ear canal pushes the ear away from the head.
The surgeon analyses each ear, as both sides are rarely identical, and chooses the technique according to the cause.
Otoplasty techniques
| Technique | What it corrects |
|---|---|
| Cartilage reshaping with sutures | Recreates the antihelical fold with permanent stitches placed behind the ear |
| Conchal setback | Brings a deep conchal bowl closer to the head, sometimes removing a little cartilage |
| Earlobe correction | Repositions a lobe that remains prominent, in the same operation |
The incision is made in the groove behind the ear, where the scar is hidden and becomes very discreet over time.
A good otoplasty does not glue the ear against the skull. It brings it closer while keeping a natural relief, from the front and in profile.
Who is it for?
- Children: from about 6 or 7, when the ear has almost reached adult size.
- Teenagers and adults: no upper age limit; adult cartilage is firmer and sometimes needs more work.
- After a first otoplasty: revision is possible for recurrence or asymmetry.
How does the operation go?
- Anaesthesia: local in adults, sometimes with sedation; general anaesthesia is preferred for children.
- Duration: about one to two hours for both ears.
- Hospital stay: usually a day case.
- Dressing: a head dressing protects the ears for the first few days.
Recovery and results
- First days: ears are swollen and tender; pain is moderate.
- Headband: worn day and night for about a week, then at night for several weeks, so the ear does not fold during sleep.
- Return to activity: work or school after about a week; contact sports and swimming after about six weeks.
- Result: visible as soon as the dressing is removed, final after a few months.
In Turkey, plan about five days on site for dressing removal and the post-operative check.
What are the risks?
Complications are rare: haematoma, infection, slight asymmetry, partial recurrence, an ear set too close, or a thick scar in people prone to them. Severe or unusual pain should prompt a quick consultation.
How much does otoplasty cost in Turkey?
The price is set on quote, depending on the technique, the cartilage work and the type of anaesthesia. The package includes the procedure, a 5-star hotel and transfers with driver.
| Where | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Turkey, Aram Clinic | On quote, all-inclusive package |
| United Kingdom, private clinic | Around £3,500 to £6,000, travel not included |
| United Kingdom, NHS | Rarely funded for adults, mainly children on strict criteria |
Indicative figures gathered in 2026. Otoplasty can be combined with another facial procedure during the same stay, such as a rhinoplasty or a lip lift.
Our surgeons
At Aram Clinic, otoplasty is performed by plastic surgeons experienced in facial surgery, in Istanbul and Izmir.
Dr Mehmet Karaaltin (Istanbul)
A graduate of the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in Istanbul, certified by the Turkish Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of EBOPRAS and ISAPS, he has more than 25 years of experience. As an ISAPS member surgeon, he provides ISAPS insurance for the cosmetic procedures he performs. He is a leading figure in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr Tolgahan Alpaydin (Izmir)
A graduate of Ege University (Izmir), he completed his plastic surgery residency there (1995–2001), then a microsurgery fellowship and aesthetic surgery training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (USA). He has directed the Izmir Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Clinic since 2003. His practice covers facial aesthetic surgery and craniofacial surgery, including congenital anomalies.
Frequently asked questions
Is the result permanent?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Partial recurrence is possible, especially if the headband is not worn, and can be corrected by a touch-up.
Does otoplasty affect hearing?
No. It only involves the outer ear, not the ear canal or inner ear.
Can only one ear be operated?
Yes, aiming for the best symmetry with the other side.