Popular Treatments

What is otoplasty (Ear surgery)?

Prominent ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a plastic surgery performed to improve the shape, position or ratio of the ear by reshaping the cartilage. It can be done at any age after the ears stop growing, which is usually 5 or 6 years old. Defects in the structure of the ear, which are congenital or manifest with physiological development, can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure can also be done to treat disfigured ears caused by injuries.

Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?

It should be noted that the best candidates for ear aesthetics are healthy patients with reasonable expectations.

Some patients have unrealistic expectations of perfect symmetry or making the ears too flat relative to the head (adhesion). Patients need to understand that a normal ear protrudes from the head enough to allow for normal washing in the crease behind the ears and enough for patients to wear glasses and certain types of headphones and hearing aids.

Poor candidates for otoplasty include patients with bleeding disorders, wound healing disorders, or other serious medical conditions that may make anesthesia or surgery risky. It is not appropriate to perform the surgery without taking special precautions regarding the risky conditions of the patient.

• Ear aesthetic surgery is performed in the following cases:
• Correcting protruding ears, also known as prominent ears (also known as ear pinning)
• To correct a birth defect that affects the shape of the ear cartilage or breast
• Correcting the position or shape of uneven ears where asymmetry is present (when one ear appears larger than the other).
• Shrinking excessively large ears, also called macrotia
• Previous surgery not responding to expectations (Revision surgery)
• Although cosmetic ear surgery does not improve hearing, it can provide psychological benefits to people who are teased about the size and shape of their ears, have suffered an ear injury, or simply want to improve their appearance.
• Children who are good candidates for ear surgery include:
• People who do not have a life-threatening disease or untreated chronic ear infection that does not prevent healthy surgery,
• Usually older than 5 years old or when the cartilage in the child’s ear is stable enough to be able to perform correction surgery
• Teens and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that would impede recovery.
• People with a positive outlook and specific goals for ear surgery
• Non-smokers,

What are the pros and cons of ear aesthetic surgery?

pros

• It is a relatively quick surgery with permanent results.
• Ear surgery makes patients feel better psychologically
• There is no age limit for otoplasty. The surgery is suitable for both children and adults.
• Since otoplasty scars are usually hidden behind the ear, they are unlikely to be noticed in daily life.
• Most ear surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia.
• The complication rate is low.

Cons

• After surgery, it is necessary to wear a supportive headband all day for two weeks to keep the ears in their new position.
• Cauliflower ear (an ear injury common in boxers and wrestlers) is very difficult to fix, but some improvements can be made depending on the condition of the injury.
• Suture scars can be seen after surgical reduction of the overall size of the ears.
• It is relatively costly compared to some surgeries and is not usually covered by insurance because it is not considered a medical necessity.

 How is consultation?

• It is important for the patient and the physician to exchange views in order to achieve the success of the surgery and the results that will meet the expectations. In this regard, the patient should give sincere information to the physician about his general health status and expectations.
• It is important to discuss the following issues in interviews about ear surgery.
• Why do you want the procedure? Your expectations and desired result, final image
• Medical conditions, whether there is an allergy to drugs, and any previous or current medical treatments
• Whether there is routine use of drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Previous surgeries
• In addition, the physician who will perform the operation takes a photograph of the ear for medical records and before and after comparisons.
• The type of operation is determined, the issues to be done (or not to be done) before and after the operation are discussed.
• The possible risks or potential complications of ear surgery are discussed, even if they are rarely seen

How is an otoplasty performed?

Ear surgery is an operation that does not require hospitalization and you can return home approximately two hours after the operation. It is usually performed under general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia (sometimes with sedation anesthesia) for adults. However, the anesthesia applied may vary depending on whether the procedure is complicated or not.

Surgical techniques may differ according to the patient’s expectations. Generally, two different procedures are performed during otoplasty: reshaping the ear and bringing the whole ear closer to the head.

Prominent ear surgery

During these procedures, an incision is made behind or inside the ear to minimize visible scarring.

If necessary, cartilage and skin are removed and stitches are made to bring the ear to the desired position. The incisions are then closed. A bandage is applied to protect the ears and keep them in position during recovery.

The entire procedure can take two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Some surgeons may perform another technique, known as no-incision otoplasty, in which stitches are placed in the skin to reshape prominent ears. However, this less invasive technique (with the least surgical procedure) is not suitable for all patients.

Ear reduction surgery

It involves making an incision behind or in the folds of the ear to allow the surgeon to reduce the height and/or width of the ear, and removing excess cartilage and skin from the upper, lower, or entire ear. Sutures are then used to close the incisions.

Ear correction surgery

Ear correction surgery is surgery on the ear to correct a deformity that may have occurred due to injury or that has been present since birth.

Ear injuries are very common and in most cases are the result of bites or lacerations that may require emergency surgery and have dire consequences. Ear correction surgery can help patients improve the appearance of their ears and regain their confidence.

Another type of ear injury is known as cauliflower ear, which is often associated with rugby players. Cauliflower ear is medically known as auricular hematoma and when trauma to the ear causes a blood clot to form and separate the ear skin from the cartilage inside. If left untreated, it can cause permanent deformity in the ear. Cauliflower ear is common among rugby players and boxers because their ears are regularly subjected to friction and trauma, resulting in cauliflower ear formation overtime.

Ear correction surgery can be performed on cauliflower ears and usually involves removing the skin from the ear to return the thick tissue to the ear’s original shape.

After surgery, your head will be temporarily wrapped in a bandage to protect and hold your ears in place to ensure the integrity of the results.

How long does it take to recover after ear surgery?

Adults can usually return to their normal activities a few days after surgery. For children, it is generally recommended to take a week off from school. Otoplasty has a relatively less laborious and painful healing phase compared to most other major cosmetic surgeries. Healing is nearly 80% complete in six weeks.

A few days after the surgery, the bandage is replaced with a soft headband. A protective headband can be worn without removing it for the first week and then at night. Your doctor may want you to sleep on high pillows rather than on your side to avoid putting any pressure on your ears. Stitches are usually removed after a week. A few weeks after the procedure, your ears may be tender, swollen and red, and there may be bruising around the ears. There may be mild discomfort (itching, swelling and throbbing) that will be controlled with oral pain relievers. Avoiding strenuous activities for two weeks after surgery will help reduce swelling.

It is common to have some numbness in the ears that usually resolves within a month. In some cases, this period may be extended. After four to six weeks, all normal activities can be resumed, including sports.Recovery time is critical to the overall success of ear surgery. For this reason, all post-operative instructions of the physician performing the operation should be followed.

How much is otoplasty in Turkey?

The cost of otoplasty can vary significantly depending on whether the surgery is complicated, the type of anesthesia used, the experience of the surgeon, and the location of the operating facility.

Qualifications and expertise of your plastic surgeon, trainings, certificates, specialties and qualifications such as how long he has been doing this surgery will affect the price of otoplasty. The physician’s approach that relaxes the patient and reduces complications before and after the operation, as well as during the operation, are other considerations as well as the price. The surgeon’s knowledge and practical experience is important to the extent that you can take the price into account as a secondary consideration. This is because poorly performed ear surgery can result in visible scarring, asymmetry, or having the ears attached too close to your head to look unnatural. Problems like this can only be resolved with revision surgery. This means a second surgery with a higher price than the first surgery. The most cost-effective option is to find a good plastic surgeon who can perform your procedure right the first time.

Some health insurance companies may only cover the cost of otoplasty if it will resolve a functional problem related to hearing or pain. Otherwise, it is considered a cosmetic procedure and the surgery is not covered by insurance.

Average cost of ear surgery in the USA It is forbidden for Ministry of Health approved centers or hospitals to give prices on the Internet. However, it should be noted that the average otoplasty price in the USA is $4,350, and in Turkey it is relatively low and economical in comparison to this price. You can find out your operation price by an experienced plastic surgeon as an examination.

You can contact us for current otoplasty cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does otoplasty leave scars?

There is no visible scar after prominent ear surgery. However, scars can be seen in the case of resizing, such as reduction surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on this and will try to leave minimal scarring in line with your desired goals.

In any case, your surgeon will take care to make the incisions within the natural lines and curves of the body. In this case, the scar is either invisible or less visible.

Is otoplasty surgery painful? How long does otoplasty hurt for?

Ear pinning surgery is not unpleasant since patients are sedated throughout the procedure. However, because your ears will be wrapped to decrease swelling and promote healing, you may experience some discomfort immediately following the treatment. You can get through this period more easily with the painkillers your doctor will give you.