What is ear correction?
Ear correction, known medically as otoplasty, is surgery to change the position, shape or size of the outer ears. The most common reason is ears that stick out from the head, sometimes called bat ears. This usually happens because a fold in the cartilage has not formed fully, or because the bowl of the ear is deep and pushes the ear outwards.
The operation can also reduce large ears, correct ears that differ from each other, or improve ears changed by injury or present from birth. For many people, especially children and teenagers who have been teased, the main benefit is confidence and not having to hide their ears behind their hair.
Who is it suitable for?
Ear correction may suit you or your child if:
- The ears stick out noticeably from the head
- The ears are large, uneven or unusually shaped
- An ear has been misshapen by injury
- The patient is at least 6 years old, so the cartilage is firm enough
- The patient is healthy enough for local or general anaesthesia
- Children are able to understand the operation and want it themselves
Techniques
Cartilage folding with stitches
Permanent stitches behind the ear create or deepen the natural fold in the cartilage, so the ear lies closer to the head.
Cartilage reshaping
Where the cartilage is thick or stiff, the surgeon may thin or score it so it bends more easily into its new shape.
Reducing the bowl of the ear
If the deep bowl next to the ear canal pushes the ear out, a small piece may be removed or stitched back towards the head.
Reducing size
For large ears, skin and cartilage can be removed from the rim or earlobe to make the ear smaller.
How the procedure is done
Tests and consultation
You arrive the day before for tests and an anaesthetic check. The surgeon examines your ears, discusses your goals and takes photos.
Anaesthesia
Adults are usually treated under local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation. Children usually have general anaesthesia.
Reshaping
A small incision is made in the crease behind the ear. The surgeon reaches the cartilage and reshapes, folds or reduces it, depending on your plan, then fixes it with stitches.
Closing and dressing
The incision is closed and a padded bandage is wrapped around the head to hold the ears in place. The operation usually takes 1 to 2 hours for both ears.
Recovery timeline
- First 48 hours
The ears feel sore, throb a little and may be swollen. Pain relief is given. The bandage stays on, and you rest with your head raised.
- Days 3–7
The bandage is removed and replaced with a soft elastic headband. You will see the new shape, although some swelling and bruising remain. Most adults return to desk work after about five days, and you have a check-up before flying home.
- Weeks 2–6
You wear the headband at night for about a month. Swelling fades steadily, and any non-dissolving stitches are removed. Contact sports and strenuous exercise wait until about six weeks.
- Months 2–3
The ears settle into their final position and the scar behind the ear softens.
Aftercare
- Wear the headband exactly as advised, especially at night
- Take prescribed medicines as directed
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and supplements that affect bleeding for two weeks before surgery unless the surgeon agrees
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks before and after
- Sleep on your back with your head raised for the first weeks
- Avoid hair dryers and heated styling tools for about a month, as the ears may be numb
- Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for six weeks
Risks and side effects
Ear correction is a common operation and is generally considered safe. Possible problems include:
- Bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin
- Infection of the skin or cartilage
- Temporary numbness or tingling around the ears
- A scar that thickens or becomes raised
- Small differences between the two ears
- An ear moving slightly forward again over time
- Ears that look too flat or pinned back
- Stitches that work their way to the surface
If needed, a small revision can be done once the ears have fully healed.
Results
The change is visible as soon as the bandage comes off. Once swelling settles, usually by around three months, the ears sit closer to the head with a natural fold. The result is usually permanent.
Ear correction in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
Send photos of your ears from the front, side and back, along with your medical history. The surgeon reviews them, and you receive a treatment plan and price.
In Istanbul
A driver meets you at the airport. Your hospital or clinic, tests, surgery, medication and meals are included, a translator supports you, and a companion, such as a parent for a child, can stay at no extra cost.
Back home
Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp and passes any questions to the surgical team.
What the Ear Correction package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 4 nights, 5 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Ear Correction FAQ
At what age can ear correction be done?
The ear is nearly full size by about 6 years of age, so surgery is usually done from 6 to 8 years onwards. Younger children are not suitable because the cartilage is too soft to hold its new shape. There is no upper age limit for healthy adults.
Will people see a scar?
The incision is made in the crease behind the ear, so the scar is well hidden. It usually fades to a thin line over several months.
Is otoplasty done under local or general anaesthesia?
Adults often have the operation under local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation. Children and some adults have general anaesthesia. The surgeon recommends the best option for you.
How long must I wear the headband?
A firm dressing is usually worn for the first couple of days, then a soft elastic headband. You wear the headband day and night for about a week and then at night for around a month to protect the ears while you sleep.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, the reshaped cartilage usually keeps its new position for life. Occasionally an ear moves slightly forward again as it heals, and a small revision may be needed.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Plan for 5 days in Istanbul. Your package includes a full hospital stay of 4 nights, so you recover in a private room with nurses on hand day and night. This allows for the operation, a dressing change and a check-up before you fly home.
Does ear correction affect hearing?
No. The operation changes only the outer ear and cartilage, not the ear canal or the inner structures used for hearing.
