What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery or ear correction surgery, is a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure designed to reshape, reposition, or resize the ears. It is commonly performed to address:
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protruding ears;
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asymmetrical ears;
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congenital ear deformities (the patient was born with them);
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prominent ears;
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misshapen ears due to injury;
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enlarged ears;
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correcting prior surgeries;
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ear reconstruction;
This surgical procedure enhances both facial aesthetics and self-esteem. A study found that adults had much lower social appearance anxiety 6 months after otoplasty. This shows otoplasty improves both appearance and confidence.
It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries for adults and children.
👉A study on children found that 90.6% of parents reported improved quality of life after otoplasty. Satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes increased, with better results seen in children over 10 years, suggesting the benefits of delaying surgery.
What Types of Otoplasty Exist
| Type of otoplasty | Description |
| Ear pinning surgery | Brings protruding ears closer to the head for a natural appearance. |
| Ear reduction surgery | Reduces the size of enlarged ears, such as in cases of macrotia. |
| Ear reconstruction | Rebuilds the outer ear for congenital deformities or trauma-related injuries. |
| Incisionless otoplasty | Reshapes ear cartilage without traditional incisions. |
| Otoplasty for asymmetry | Corrects uneven ear size, shape, or positioning. |
| Revision otoplasty | Improves or corrects the results of a previous otoplasty. |
| Lop ear correction | Repairs folded or drooping ear tips for a balanced ear shape. |
Benefits of Otoplasty
Patients choose Turkey otoplasty for high-quality care and significant savings.
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Enhanced appearance 🌟 – improves ear shape, size, and symmetry for a balanced look.
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Correction of congenital issues 👂 – addresses birth defects such as protruding or misshapen ears.
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Improved facial proportion 🧒 – creates harmony between the ears and other facial features.
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Minimally visible scarring 🩹 – scars are typically hidden behind the ears for a natural look.
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Customized results 🎯 – tailored to individual needs for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.
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Permanent solution ✅ – provides long-lasting results with a single surgical procedure.
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Wide age range 👦👩 – suitable for both children (from age 5) and adults.
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Improved comfort 👓 – reduces irritation caused by protruding ears when wearing glasses or headgear.
- Psychological benefits 💬 – reduces teasing or bullying in children, improving mental well-being.
👉A long-term study of 198 otoplasty procedures found significant behavioral improvements in children. Reductions in anxiety, depression, and social issues were observed, along with increased social competence. The findings highlight the surgery’s positive impact on emotional well-being and social interactions.
Why Choose Turkey For Cosmetic Surgery?
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Affordable prices 💰 – Turkey offers high-quality cosmetic procedures up to 70% lower than in the US or UK.
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Experienced surgeons 🩺 – board-certified plastic surgeons in Turkey hold internationally recognized certifications:
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ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
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EBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)
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TSPRAS (Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)
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Modern facilities 🏥 – Clinics and private hospitals in Turkey use advanced technology and meet international standards. Turkish JCI (Joint Commission International)-accredited hospitals guarantee compliance with global healthcare standards.
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Comprehensive packages 📦 – most procedures come with all-inclusive packages, including accommodation, transport, and follow-up care.
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Medical tourism expertise 🌍 – Turkey is a global hub for medical tourism, welcoming thousands of international patients each year. In 2024, Thailand welcomed approximately 3.07 million foreign patients.
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Visa-friendly policies ✈️ – Citizens from many countries, like the UK, Germany, and the UAE, can enter Turkey without a visa or get an e-Visa online. For example, US citizens can apply for an e-visa in minutes.
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Cultural experience 🕌 – along with cosmetic surgery, patients can explore Turkey’s rich history, cuisine, and attractions.
How Much Is Otoplasty For Both Ears In Turkey?
Otoplasty in Turkey offers unbeatable value, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. Patients can save up to 70% on the otoplasty turkey price, making it an ideal destination for those seeking affordable cosmetic procedures.
For example, if a patient opts for ear pinning surgery cost turkey at $1,500, they save $6,500 compared to the upper price range in the United States and $2,900 compared to the UK.
🎁The comprehensive packages in Turkey add further savings.
| Country | Cost Range (USD) | Savings Compared to Turkey |
| Turkey | $1,000 – $3,500 | |
| United States | $3,000 – $8,000 | Up to $6,500 (50–70%) |
| United Kingdom | $3,100 – $4,400 | Up to $2,900 (40–60%) |
| Canada | $2,500 – $5,000 | Up to $3,500 (50–60%) |
| Australia | $3,000 – $6,000 | Up to $4,500 (50–65%) |
What’s Included in Otoplasty Packages in Turkey
Getting an otoplasty package in Turkey is much cheaper than booking everything separately. Packages include the surgery, hotel, and transport at a combined discounted price - still up to 70% cheaper than in countries like the United States. Clinics partner with hotels and service providers, which lowers the overall cost.
When booking on your own, each service often comes with extra fees. Plus, packages are more convenient because everything is organized for you. You save both time and money while ensuring a stress-free experience.
💚 Booking through Bookimed often allows patients to save more compared to booking directly with clinics, thanks to exclusive, limited-time offers that provide additional discounts.
Otoplasty in Turkey is affordable and comprehensive. Packages typically include:
Consultations👨⚕️
Every patient gets a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Certified plastic surgeons lead the process. A skilled medical team supports them throughout. There are 150+ verified Turkish specialists available on Bookimed.
Accommodation and transport 🏨
Most packages include 3–5 nights in a hotel or private hospital. Transport between the airport, clinic, and hotel is also covered. Both VIP and standard transfers make the process easy for international patients.
Postoperative care 💊
Packages often include compression bandages and medications. Patients also receive detailed recovery instructions.
*Flights are typically excluded. Luxury accommodations or upgrades are also not part of standard packages. Additional costs may apply for otoplasty reversal or specific revisions.
| Category | ✅ Commonly included services | ❌ Less commonly offered services |
| Medical procedures | Otoplasty surgery, general or local anesthesia, post-op care. | Otoplasty reversal, incisionless otoplasty. |
| Consultations | Consultation with a plastic surgeon, and anesthesiologist. | Extended pre-surgery consultations, specialized aesthetic advice. |
| Anesthesia & medication | General or local anesthesia, post-op medications. | Advanced anesthesia techniques, customized pre-op vitamin infusions. |
| Accommodation | 2–5 nights in a 3- or 4-star hotel or private hospital. | Luxury 5-star hotels, upgraded suites. |
| Transport | Transfers between airport, hotel, and clinic. | VIP luxury transfers, private chauffeured vehicles. |
| Post-operative care | Compression bandages, follow-up visits. | 24-hour nursing care, personalized compression garments. |
| Lab tests | Blood tests (HIV, CBC, anti-HBC). | Additional diagnostic tests like advanced cardiac screenings. |
| Patient services | 24/7 support, medical travel coordinator, language assistance. | Luxury concierge services, sightseeing activities. |
The Otoplasty Procedure Steps
The otoplasty procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours and is considered a safe procedure with long-lasting results.
👉According to the study, otoplasty is a safe and effective option, particularly for children and adolescents. It boasts low complication rates (1.7% reoperation) and high satisfaction (97%), outperforming traditional methods in safety and outcomes.
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Preparation 📝 – the process starts with a consultation where a board-certified plastic surgeon reviews medical history, examines ears, and discusses the desired outcome. Preoperative tests, such as blood work, are often performed to ensure you’re ready for the otoplasty ear surgery.
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Anesthesia 💉 – local or general anesthesia is administered depending on the complexity of the procedure and patient preference. This ensures a pain-free experience during the surgical procedure.
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Incisions ✂️ – for traditional ear pinning surgery, small incisions are made behind the ears, leaving minimal scarring. In otoplasty incisionless techniques, the cartilage is reshaped without any cuts.
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Cartilage reshaping 🧩 – the ear cartilage is reshaped, repositioned, or reduced to correct protruding ears, prominent ears, or other ear deformities. Techniques may include ear pinning to achieve a natural and balanced ear shape.
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Closing the incisions 🧵 – after reshaping, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, often hidden behind the outer ear to ensure minimal visibility.
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Bandaging 🩹 – a compression bandage is applied to support the newly shaped ears and protect them during the initial healing process.
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Recovery and follow-up 🛌 – patients typically experience mild swelling and discomfort during recovery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the desired outcome is achieved.
Before And After Otoplasty In Turkey
Ear reshaping surgery at Quartz Hospital
Ear correction surgery at CE International Hospital
Ear pinning surgery at Soraca Med
Risks and Complications of Ear Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty ear surgery has some risks and possible complications. The method is generally safe. For example, a retrospective study on incisionless otoplasty reported good cosmetic results in 95% of cases.
However, being informed about potential issues is important before making a decision.
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Infection 🦠 – though rare, infections can occur around the ear cartilage or incision sites and may require antibiotics.
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Bleeding 🩸 – minor bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding during or after the otoplasty procedure is a potential risk.
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Scarring 🩹 – while incisions are typically hidden behind the outer ear, some patients may experience visible or thickened scars.
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Asymmetry 🔄 – the ears may heal unevenly, resulting in slightly asymmetrical ears that may require revision surgery.
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Allergic reaction 💊 – rare reactions to anesthesia or surgical materials can occur.
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Persistent pain or numbness ⚡ – some patients experience long-term discomfort or numbness in the ears.
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Hematoma 🩺 – blood may collect under the skin near the incision, requiring drainage.
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Relapse of prominent ears ↩️ – the ears might return to their original position if sutures loosen or cartilage reshapes over time.
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Surgical risks 🛑 – risks like poor wound healing, tissue damage, or reactions to general anesthesia may occur, though these are rare in procedures performed by experienced plastic surgeons.
✅Proper aftercare and follow-up visits also play a key role in reducing potential complications.
Otoplasty Recovery Recommendations
Recovering from ear surgery is an important step to getting great results. Most swelling subsides within 2–3 weeks; full results are visible after a few months. Taking good care of the ears after the procedure helps them heal properly and prevents problems.
🔹After the otoplasty procedure, patients typically rest for a few hours before being discharged. Bandages are applied to protect the ears and support their new position.
Here are some easy tips to follow during recovery:
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Managing discomfort 💊 – mild pain, swelling, or numbness is common and can be managed with prescribed medications.
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Sleeping position 🛏️ – keeping the head elevated and avoiding sleeping on the ears helps reduce swelling and protects the surgical site.
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Wearing a headband 🤕 – a compression headband or bandage is usually worn for the first few weeks, especially at night, to maintain the ears’ position.
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Daily activities 🚶 – most patients can resume light activities within a few days. However, strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.
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Follow-up appointments 🩺 – regular check-ups with a board-certified plastic surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process.
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Avoiding strain ⚠️ – refrain from pulling or rubbing the ears to prevent irritation or damage during recovery.
References:
Otoplasty in patients with helix valgus: quality of life and satisfaction / A. Gómez Sánchez et al. Annals of Pediatric Surgery. 2023. Vol. 19, no. 1. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43159-023-00263-x (date of access: 25.11.2024).
Songu M., Kutlu A. Long-term psychosocial impact of otoplasty performed on children with prominent ears. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2014. Vol. 128, no. 9. P. 768–771. URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022215114001662 (date of access: 25.11.2024).
Boroditsky M. L., Van Slyke A. C., Arneja J. S. Outcomes and Complications of the Mustardé Otoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2020. Vol. 8, no. 9. P. e3103. URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003103 (date of access: 25.11.2024).
Edafe O., Argyriou K., Thevasagayam M. S. Outcomes and complications of incisionless otoplasty – A retrospective observational study and a review of the literature. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2020. Vol. 137. P. 110246. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110246 (date of access: 25.11.2024).