Ear Surgery
The size, shape and position of the ear usually run in the family — and so do the deformities. A child with prominent ears is often on the receiving end of unkind remarks, and adults frequently carry the same sensitivity into later life.
At a glance
How it is performed
The operation reshapes or repositions the flexible cartilage of the ear. There are several patterns of deformity and each is treated differently, but the objectives are constant: reduce the protrusion and create a soft, natural anti-helical fold when the ear is seen from the side.
Incisions are placed behind the ear, so any surface scar is hidden. Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. A head dressing protects both ears, limits swelling and lets the patient turn from side to side while asleep without painful pressure.
The dressing stays on for about three days. After that a light bandage is worn at night only, for about three weeks. Hearing is not affected — only the outer ear is operated on.
Who is it for
- Children from the age of five or six — by then the ear has almost reached adult size, so little further change is expected.
- Adults who have lived with prominent ears and want the profile corrected.
- Asymmetry between the two ears, or an absent anti-helical fold.
- Patients with well-controlled general health; conditions such as diabetes or hypertension are monitored after surgery.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–3
Head dressing in place; discomfort is limited and controlled with simple analgesia.
- Day 3
The dressing is removed and most of the remaining swelling begins to disappear.
- Weeks 1–3
A bandage is worn at night. Normal daily activity resumes within a week.
- Weeks 3–4
Lifting and straining are avoided for about three weeks to protect healing.
- Month 2+
The definitive contour is settled; scars behind the ear fade to near invisibility.
Risks & honest expectations
- Residual irregularity of the cartilage seen from the front or the side.
- Perfect symmetry is not a reasonable expectation — no two ears are identical even naturally.
- Fluid collection, which the head dressing and careful padding are designed to prevent.
- Minor adjustments to the earlobes may be desirable afterwards.
- Hearing is not affected; the inner ear is not touched.
The information on this website is for general information only and is not a substitute for a personal medical consultation. Every surgical procedure carries risks; outcomes vary from person to person. Content is reviewed by Dr. H. Seçkin Öksar, Board Certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon.
Questions about this procedure
What is the right age for a child?
From five or six years, once the ear has reached almost adult size. Correcting it before school pressure builds up spares a lot of unhappiness.
Will the scars be visible?
No. The incisions sit behind the ear, in the crease against the head.
Is it done under general anaesthesia?
Adults are usually comfortable with local anaesthesia and sedation. Children are operated under general anaesthesia.
Related procedures
All proceduresRhinoplasty
The nose sits at the centre of the face, so a change of a few millimetres changes the whole. Rhinoplasty reshapes the br…
1–2 hours · 7–10 daysFaceFace & Neck Lift
A facelift cannot stop time. What it can do is set the clock back: excess fat is removed, the underlying muscle layer is…
3–4 hours · 2–3 weeksFaceChin & Cheek
A profile is a balance between nose, lips and chin. Where the chin is set back, enlarging it by a few millimetres often …
45–60 minutes · 3–5 daysContact
Start with a conversation
Tell us what you are considering. You will get an honest answer about whether it is the right procedure for you — including when the answer is no.
- +90 532 722 84 52 Coordination · Sibel Beken Öksar
- WhatsAppFastest reply — write in English, French or Turkish
- Antalya · LaraYeşilbahçe Mah. Metin Kasapoğlu Cad., Gökhan İş Merkezi No:19 D:9, Muratpaşa / Antalya, Türkiye
- EN · FR · TRConsultations directly with the surgeon, no interpreter
