What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty changes the shape of the outer ear. Its best-known form, often called ear pinning or pinnaplasty, brings ears that stick out closer to the side of the head. Ears usually protrude for one of two reasons, or a mix of both: the fold in the cartilage known as the antihelix has not formed fully, or the cup of cartilage behind the ear canal, the concha, is deep.
Prominent ears have no effect on hearing, but they can make people feel self-conscious, children especially. Otoplasty aims for ears that look natural and match each other and the face, rather than ears that appear flattened or pinned back too far.
Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?
Both adults and children can have otoplasty. MedlinePlus states that children can usually be treated from around 5 or 6 years old, as the ears have nearly finished growing by then. The NHS advises against ear pinning before the age of 5, since the cartilage is still too soft.
| Generally a good fit | Worth waiting or talking through first |
|---|---|
| Ears that clearly stand out from the head | A child under about 5 years old |
| An antihelical fold that is absent or weak | A child who is not yet keen on the operation |
| One ear standing out more than the other | A skin infection around the ears |
| Older children who feel self-conscious about their ears | A history of thick (keloid) scarring, which needs discussing first |
| Adults who have never liked how their ears look | A medical condition that is not under control |
With children, things go more smoothly when the child understands the change, wants it, and can manage simple aftercare such as leaving the bandage alone.
Which otoplasty techniques are used?
Over 200 ways of performing otoplasty have been published. The right one depends on which part of the ear is making it stand out.
| Method | What happens | Often used when |
|---|---|---|
| Stitch (suture) methods | Permanent stitches bend the cartilage to form or deepen the antihelix | The cartilage is soft and flexible |
| Cartilage scoring | Fine scoring of the cartilage surface helps it bend | The cartilage is firmer, which is common in adults |
| Conchal setback or reduction | The concha is stitched backwards or a small part of it is removed | The conchal bowl is large |
| Hybrid methods | Stitching and scoring are combined | Many ears, to make the result more stable |
| Incisionless otoplasty | Stitches are passed through the skin without opening it | Some cases where the cartilage is soft |
In a systematic review of otoplasty methods published in 2026, using stitches together with cartilage scoring appeared to be linked to fewer recurrences and repeat operations than relying on one method alone. The authors pointed out, however, that well-designed randomised trials are still lacking.
How is the operation performed?
- Assessment. Dr. Yazır examines and measures the ears, takes photos and discusses the intended changes with the patient and, for children, with the parents.
- Anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia is usual for adults; younger children normally have general anaesthesia.
- Access. A short incision is made in the crease behind the ear to reach the cartilage.
- Shaping the ear. The cartilage is bent, scored or reduced and held with stitches; sometimes a narrow strip of skin is removed.
- Bandaging. The incision is closed and a padded bandage is wrapped around the head. Most patients leave the same day.
What does recovery look like?
| After surgery | What you are likely to notice |
|---|---|
| First 3 days | Soreness, tenderness and a padded bandage around the head; rest and take painkillers |
| Days 3 to 7 | The bandage is changed or taken off, the ears are checked and a headband is used instead |
| Days 7 to 10 | Stitches that do not dissolve, if any, are removed |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | School or office work can usually restart |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Swimming is normally allowed; keep wearing the headband at night as advised |
| Months 3 to 6 | The swelling has gone and the ears are in their final position |
How do I plan my trip to Izmir?
Patients and families generally allow 6 to 7 days. The clinic is in the Egeperla building in Konak, about 25 to 30 minutes by car from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB).
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | You arrive and meet Dr. Yazır for the ear examination |
| Day 2 | Operation day, normally as day surgery; rest at your hotel afterwards |
| Days 3 to 4 | Quiet days; the bandage is checked and changed |
| Days 5 to 6 | A check-up, fitting of the headband and aftercare advice |
| Day 7 | You fly home once Dr. Yazır has given the go-ahead |
Before booking, you can send photos of the ears over WhatsApp, taken from the front, from behind and from each side, so that Dr. Yazır can give an initial opinion.
What are the risks of otoplasty?
One systematic review combined 28 studies covering 3,493 patients. It found bleeding or haematoma in roughly 2.5% of cases, infection in roughly 0.8%, and recurrence or a revision operation in roughly 5%. The complaints mentioned most often were pain and itching. The possible risks are:
- Bleeding, or blood collecting beneath the skin (haematoma)
- Infection of the skin or the cartilage
- Stitches that show through or have to be taken out
- Raised or thickened scars behind the ear
- Ears that do not match
- The ear partly moving back out (recurrence)
- Short-lived numbness or sensitivity to cold
Dr. Yazır explains how these apply to you during the examination and the informed consent discussion.
How long do results last?
After the cartilage has healed in its new shape, the change is meant to be permanent. If an ear does move back, this usually shows within the first months, so it is important to protect the ears and wear the headband as instructed. In children, surgery is planned for around 5 to 6 years of age because the ears have almost stopped growing by that point.
Why does an ENT surgeon's approach matter?
Both plastic surgeons and ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons carry out otoplasty. As an otorhinolaryngologist, Dr. Yazır has trained in the detailed anatomy of the outer ear, and his work in facial aesthetic surgery centres on proportion and balance across the face.