Ear Reshaping

Otoplasty — prominent-ear correction — is a precise operation that reshapes the cartilage of the external ear to reposition it closer to the side of the head. It is one of the most satisfying operations in the catalogue for a simple reason: most adult patients have thought about having it done for twenty or thirty years, and the one they describe at follow-up is "I should have done this in my twenties".

The operation is anatomically contained, technically straightforward in experienced hands, recovery is fast, the result is permanent, and for many patients the effect is quietly transformative — hair worn back for the first time in decades, photographs taken from three-quarter angles without thinking, glasses worn without anxiety. It is not vanity surgery; it is a small correction to an anatomical feature that has shaped how the patient has carried themselves all their life.

Who otoplasty is suitable for

The typical candidates fall into two clear groups. Adults of any age (most commonly 25 to 55) who have prominent ears — the lobes or upper portion of the ear projecting more than usual from the side of the head, sometimes with asymmetry between the two sides. Usually they have covered with hair all their life and have arrived at a moment of deciding "enough". Children from age six, typically brought by parents after a period of teasing at school. Six is the lower limit because the ear has reached approximately 90% of its adult size by this age — operating earlier risks interference with cartilage growth. Paediatric cases require general anaesthesia and a child-friendly hospital pathway, which we provide at Acıbadem. Parents from UK/IE who would otherwise face an NHS wait of 18+ months often choose to self-fund in Istanbul for a shorter timeline.

Patients with active ear infections or untreated skin conditions of the scalp must resolve those before surgery — we say so at consultation.

The techniques

There are several techniques; the choice depends on which part of the ear protrudes and why. In most cases the problem lies in the antihelical fold (which has not formed adequately) and/or in excessive concha depth. We address one or both through the same posterior incision.

Cartilage-scoring technique (Mustardé sutures + cartilage scoring): reshapes the antihelical fold via permanent sutures to the cartilage, with light scoring to help the cartilage take its new shape. This is the workhorse technique for most cases.

Concha setback (Furnas sutures): when the conchal bowl is too deep and projects the ear outward, we reposition it with sutures anchored to the mastoid periosteum.

Earlobe correction: when the lobe also protrudes, a small additional incision corrects it in the same session.

At consultation we assess your specific ear configuration and explain which technique(s) are indicated. Rarely is one technique used alone; most cases require a combination, calibrated to the anatomy.

The surgery, step by step

For adults: performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation. Duration is one and a half to two hours for both ears. Day-surgery procedure — you return to the hotel the same afternoon. In a JCI-accredited hospital, with an anaesthesiologist available on request.

For children: short general anaesthesia in a paediatric hospital pathway, same-day discharge with overnight observation on request. Duration is similar, one and a half to two hours.

The incision is hidden in the post-auricular fold — the natural crease where the back of the ear meets the scalp — and is not visible with the ear in any position after healing. Sutures are fine, non-absorbable in the skin (removed at day seven) and permanent in the cartilage (remain in place, under the skin, indefinitely).

Recovery

Week 1

A headband is worn 24 hours a day for the first week, then night-only for a further two to three weeks. Mild to moderate discomfort in the first 48 hours, well controlled with standard analgesics. Sleeping on the back (not on the side) for the first two weeks. Sutures removed at day six to seven. Return to desk work is realistic from day five to seven — with the headband covered by a cap or hoodie.

Weeks 2–4

Residual swelling resolves progressively. Contact sport, swimming and intense physical activity are avoided until week four. By the end of week four most patients are back to fully normal life.

Months 2–6

Final shape settles over three to six months. The permanent sutures deep in the cartilage hold the correction stably long-term. The post-auricular scar is typically invisible at conversation distance by month three.

Risks and realistic expectations

Honest risks: asymmetry between the two sides, which an experienced technique largely prevents but can occur in small degrees; over-correction ("pinned" appearance where the ears are pulled too close to the head) — a specific signature of under-skilled technique that we actively design against; under-correction, where the problem is partially resolved; haematoma (blood collection that may require drainage); and — rarely — recurrence over years if the permanent sutures release.

The result is permanent in the large majority of cases. A small proportion of patients (under 5%) experience partial recurrence over years as the cartilage relaxes, and a minor touch-up can be performed under local anaesthesia if needed.

Why Istanbul versus other destinations

Otoplasty is a volume-driven operation — our surgeons perform it regularly, on both adults and children, and the cumulative experience shows in the consistency of results. JCI-accredited hospitals, paediatric pathway for child patients, adult day-surgery pathway for working patients who need to be back on a plane within 48–72 hours.

Dr. Mustafa Ekrem Güleş approves every patient clinically before surgery.

Why not the €500 otoplasty

On otoplasty, the rock-bottom price is paid in pinned-back "surgery-obvious" results, asymmetries and early recurrence. A clinic quoting otoplasty at €500 often uses absorbable cartilage sutures (result relaxes within a year), does not individualise the technique to the anatomy (applies the same procedure to every ear), and has no follow-up staff after your flight home.

What you pay for with us is verifiable: permanent Mustardé and Furnas sutures as indicated, techniques matched to your specific anatomy, pre-operative photographic planning, JCI-accredited hospital, adult or paediatric pathway as required, follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months via WhatsApp in English.

Travelling with a child patient — what we provide

For parents from UK, IE or elsewhere travelling with a child patient: we provide a paediatric hospital pathway, an anaesthesiologist experienced with child patients, written pre-operative instructions in English for parents, a family-friendly hotel room configuration, and a dedicated team member available in English throughout the stay. The child's safety and comfort is the primary planning input.

English-speaking team — from first message to six-month follow-up

Our team replies in English on WhatsApp, phone and email. From the first photo-based assessment to the six-month review, your contact (or your child's pathway) is consistent and English-speaking.

Request your free quote — our team replies in UK/IE business hours and in a second window covering US Eastern through Australian morning. Photo-based pre-assessment on the same day.