Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery)
Sets prominent ears closer to the head; the incision stays hidden behind the ear.
Save up to 70% vs the UK & Germany
- Stay in Istanbul
- 4-5 days
- Time in theatre
- 90 min
- In hospital
- Same-day discharge
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthetic
- Back to work
- 5 days
- Full result
- 3 months
Overview
Otoplasty sets prominent ears closer to the head and recreates the antihelical fold that has not formed properly. At Clinic Mery it takes about 90 minutes under local anaesthetic in adults and you are discharged the same day. The cartilage is reshaped through an incision behind the ear using permanent sutures and controlled scoring; hearing is not affected by this operation.
Benefits
- Both ears are corrected in a single session
- The incision sits in the natural crease behind the ear and is not visible from the front
- Local anaesthetic is sufficient, so no general anaesthetic or overnight stay
- You return to your hotel the same day and to desk work at around day five
- Dressings, the support headband and wound care materials are included in the programme
Who is this treatment for?
Usually suitable
- Adults whose ears stand noticeably away from the head with a weak antihelical fold
- People who feel restricted in how they can wear their hair because of it
- Anyone who accepts from the outset that small asymmetries will remain
Needs assessment first
- Anyone with eczema, active infection or an unhealed wound behind the ear
- People who form keloids, where scar tissue overgrows, since ear surgery carries a particular risk that must be discussed
- Children under six, who need separate assessment because of ear growth and the anaesthetic plan
Final suitability is decided by your consultant after examination and imaging in Istanbul.
Your treatment, step by step
- 01
Free online consultation
Send photographs of your ears from the front and behind; within 24 hours we confirm free of charge whether one or both ears are planned and how long it takes.
- 02
Examination and measurement
The distance from ear to head and the stiffness of the cartilage are measured, and existing differences between the two ears are documented in photographs beforehand.
- 03
The procedure: 90 minutes under local anaesthetic
Working from behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped and held with permanent sutures. A protective dressing is applied at the end.
- 04
Dressing change and flying home
The dressing comes off on day 4–5, the incision is checked and headband use is explained. With your surgeon's approval you fly home the same day.
Aftercare & long-term tips
Once home, wear the headband for the period your surgeon specifies, particularly at night, and avoid sleeping on your ear. Keep the incision dry and postpone hair dye and ear piercing for at least two months. The scar behind the ear is red at first and fades over the following months, with follow-up by photograph during that time.
First 24 hours
Stick to soft, lukewarm foods and drinks; avoid very hot or hard items while any numbness or sensitivity settles.
First few days
Ease back into normal eating as sensitivity fades — usually within a few days.
Long term
Eat normally and protect your result with the simple habits below.
Do
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Attend your regular check-ups and cleanings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Keep the area clean and rinse as advised
Avoid
- Biting very hard objects — ice, pen lids, shells
- Opening bottle or soda caps with your teeth
- Too many hard nuts or sticky, chewy sweets
- Smoking and staining drinks in the first days
What's included
- Free consultation & treatment plan
- Treatment by specialist dentists
- 5-star hotel accommodation
- Private VIP airport transfers
- Personal translator & 24/7 support
- Aftercare & treatment guarantee
Risks and an honest expectation
The commonest problems after otoplasty are partial recurrence of the original position, a suture working its way towards the skin or forming a granuloma around it, and residual asymmetry between the two ears; some of these need a corrective procedure. Blood collecting in the ear must be drained, as it can compromise the blood supply to the cartilage, which is why the dressing and early checks matter. Infection of the cartilage is rare but serious and needs urgent antibiotic treatment, so keeping the site clean and attending follow-up is essential.
They flew in. They flew home changed.
Frequently asked questions
Other treatments in this department
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- Save up to 70% versus the UK, Germany and Spain
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