Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage of ears that stand noticeably away from the head and brings them closer to it. Because the incision lies behind the ear, there is no scar visible from the front.
This page explains why ears stick out, who otoplasty may suit, how the operation is performed and what recovery involves, including how families and adults travelling to Izmir usually plan the visit.
What is otoplasty?
The shape of the outer ear is determined by the folds of its cartilage. In prominent ears one or both of two features are usually present: the middle fold (antihelix) has not formed, and the bowl of the ear (concha) is deep or wide.
In otoplasty the cartilage is re-folded with permanent sutures and, where necessary, the concha is brought closer to the head. The aim is to bring the angle and distance between ear and head into the natural range and to achieve symmetry between the two ears.
| Problem | Anatomical cause | Surgical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Upper part of the ear stands out | Antihelix fold not formed | Folding the cartilage with sutures (Mustardé technique) |
| Whole ear stands out | Deep or wide concha | Suturing the concha to the head (concha–mastoid suture) |
| Earlobe turned outward | Position of the lobe and cartilage tail | Additional suture or minor tissue adjustment |
| Stiff, thick cartilage | Common in adults | Thinning or scoring of the cartilage |
Who is a candidate?
- Children who have finished ear growth (about 5–6 years and older) and adults
- People who are bothered by ears that stand noticeably away from the head
- Those with one-sided asymmetry
- General health suitable for anaesthesia
In children the decision is made together with the child's own wish and the family's assessment. Published reviews report that otoplasty in the school years is safe and that the cartilage is well suited to reshaping at this age.
How is the operation performed?
In adults otoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia, with sedation if wished; in children general anaesthesia is preferred. It takes 1–2 hours for both ears.
- Incision: a fine incision along the crease behind the ear.
- Exposure: the skin is gently lifted off the cartilage.
- Reshaping: the antihelix fold is created with permanent sutures; stiff cartilage is thinned if necessary.
- Setting back: a deep concha is sutured to the lining of the bone behind it, bringing the ear closer to the head.
- Symmetry check: the angle and distance of both ears are compared.
- Closure and dressing: the incision is closed with dissolving sutures and a protective dressing is applied.
Systematic reviews report that suture-based and cartilage-scoring techniques give similar results in suitable patients; the technique is chosen according to the stiffness of the cartilage.
Planning a visit from abroad
| Step | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| First contact | Weeks before | Photographs from the front, back and sides; preliminary opinion |
| Arrival and consultation | 1 day before surgery | Examination, measurements, informed consent |
| Surgery | Day 0 | Local or general anaesthesia; discharge the same day |
| Follow-up | Days 3 – 7 | Dressing removed, wound check |
| Departure | Day 5 – 7 | Flying is possible after the dressing comes off |
| Remote follow-up | Weeks 2 – 12 | Photographs at agreed intervals; headband at night |
What does recovery look like?
The times below are typical ranges; they vary between individuals and are not a personal guarantee.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First 48 hours | Tenderness, a tight dressing; head elevated |
| Days 3 – 7 | Dressing removed; the ears look swollen and red |
| Days 5 – 7 | Return to school or desk work for most patients |
| Weeks 1 – 4 | Protective headband at night; avoid sleeping on the side |
| Weeks 4 – 6 | Gradual return to swimming and contact sports |
| Months 3 – 6 | Swelling fully settles; ear shape settles |
During recovery, avoid movements that bend the ear, hard pillows and pressure from spectacle arms.
What are the risks?
The list below is not exhaustive; individual risks are discussed at the consultation and during the informed-consent process. A systematic review of complications after prominent ear correction reports that most problems are limited and treatable.
- Bleeding, blood collection (haematoma), infection
- Cartilage inflammation (rare; needs prompt treatment)
- Sutures felt under the skin or extruding
- Asymmetry, over- or under-correction
- Slight relaxation of the ear over time
- A noticeable scar or altered sensation along the incision
- Need for a corrective procedure
How is the decision made?
At the consultation the angle and distance between ear and head are measured; the antihelix fold, the depth of the concha and the stiffness of the cartilage are assessed. Both ears are compared. In children, the child's own wish and the timing around school are discussed.
The technique is chosen according to the cartilage; in adults, stiff cartilage may need additional thinning.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Whether otoplasty is suitable for you or your child can only be determined after an in-person examination.
