From childhood teasing to adult self-consciousness, prominent or misshapen ears can cast a long shadow on one’s self-perception.
But what if you could redefine your facial contours and unlock a newfound sense of confidence? At Asli Tarcan, Otoplasty offers a transformative solution, combining artistry and precision to create naturally beautiful results that will leave you feeling empowered and revitalized.
Otoplasty in Turkey is a cosmetic surgical method designed to improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ears. The goal is to correct imperfections in the ear structure, restoring a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
This article will cover everything you need to know about otoplasty including costs, procedures, pros and candidacy. So, let us start our journey towards improving the ear shape.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that corrects ear deformities and defects, whether congenital or traumatic. Surgeons reshape, reposition, or augment the ear’s cartilage framework to achieve a more normal shape and appearance.
What are Benefits of Otoplasty?
Ears pinned back surgery is one of the best procedure when it comes to dealing with congenital ear deformity due to its numerous benefits.
- Improved Ear Shape and Proportion: Otoplasty helps achieve a more natural ear shape, size, and proportion.
- Reduced Ear Protrusion: Corrects prominent or protruding ears, enhancing overall facial harmony.
- Correction of Ear Deformities: Addresses congenital or acquired ear deformities, such as microtia, macrotia, anotia or ear trauma.
- Boosted Self-Confidence: Correcting ear concerns can significantly enhance self-confidence, improves overall sense of well-being and happiness.
- Improved Hearing Aid Fit: (If applicable) enhances hearing aid fit and functionality, also improves hearing loss.
- Ear Hygiene: Improves ear hygiene and maintenance
- Permanent Results: Otoplasty provides long-lasting results.
What are the Types of Otoplasty?
There are several types of otoplasty, each addressing specific ear-related concerns:
| Type of Otoplasty | Description | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Ear Pinning | Reshapes and repositions the ear closer to the head. | Improve ear position |
| Ear Reshaping | Corrects misshapen or deformed ears, improving overall ear shape. | Correct ear shape |
| Ear Reduction | Reduces oversized ears to achieve better proportion. | Reduce ear size |
| Ear Augmentation | Increases ear size for those with undersized ears. | Increase ear size |
| Earlobe Repair | Restores damaged or torn earlobes. | Repair earlobe |
| Microtia Repair | Corrects congenital ear abnormalities in children, such as small or missing ears. | Correct congenital issues |
| Conchal Reduction | Reduces the size of the conchal cartilage (shell-shaped part of the ear). | Reduce conchal cartilage |
| Antihelical Fold Creation | Creates or enhances the inner ridge of the ear. | Create/enhance inner ridge |
| Otoplasty Revision | Corrects previous otoplasty complications or unsatisfactory results. | Correct previous error |
What Causes Prominent Ears?
Prominent ears are a result of various factors related to the shape and structure of the ear. Since, most of these factors are uncontrollable. However, we can correct all ear deformities through otoplasty in Turkey.
The major reasons for prominent ear includes the following:
Genetic Factors
Family history is one of the major reasons for big ears as it runs through generations. Likewise, certain ethnic groups are also more prone to prominent ears.
Anatomical Factors
Certain anatomical factors play a major role in shaping our ears, like an undeveloped or small antihelical fold. Likewise, an abnormal earlobe attachment is also a result of anatomical changes in the human body.
Developmental Factors
Abnormalities during fetal development can affect ear shape. Likewise, trauma during birth or early childhood can also cause ear prominence. Additionally, conditions such as Down syndrome or turner syndrome may increase the likelihood of bat ears.
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Are there different Otoplasty Surgical Techniques?
Otoplasty has developed abundantly over the time, medical advancements have also come in handy to bring innovations in dealing with ear abnormalities.
Although numerous surgical techniques are at disposal of our expert ENT surgeons, the following are the most common.
| Surgical Technique | Description | Benefits | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Otoplasty | Oldest and most used method, precise cartilage manipulation for long-lasting results | Effective for hearing difficulties, long-lasting results | Most used method, precise cartilage manipulation |
| Endoscopic Otoplasty | Minimally invasive, uses endoscope to correct ear deformities or protruding ears | Faster recovery time, small incisions | 2-3 small incisions, insert a small camera |
| Laser Otoplasty | Minimal invasive method, small incisions (1-2 mm) using laser technology | Minimal scarring, precise reconstruction | Endoscope to visualize ear cartilage, three laser types |
| Cartilage Sparing Otoplasty | Corrects ear deformities without removing or significantly altering ear cartilage | Ideal for individuals who have aim for a minor change | Reposition soft tissues, focus on reshaping without extensive manipulation |
Am I a good Candidate for Otoplasty?
Once you have convinced yourself for an otoplasty to enhance your appearance, get in touch with our team to establish your candidacy.
Since, knowing whether you are a good fit for ear plastic surgery or not, is crucial in ensuring a successful outcome and minimizing potential risks
Our experts suggest the following individuals as an ideal candidate for otoplasty.
- Ear protrusion (more than 2 cm from the head)
- Misshapen or ear deformity
- Ear asymmetry
- Previous ear trauma or injury
- Congenital ear abnormalities (e.g., microtia)
- 5-14 years old (ears are fully developed by age 5)
- Prominent or misshapen ears causing self-consciousness or teasing
- Overall healthy, with no underlying medical conditions (e.g., bleeding disorders)
- Self-conscious about ear shape or size
- Non-smoker (or willing to quit)
How is Otoplasty Performed?
Otoplasty usually requires 1-3 hours, performed on an outpatient basis, with variables affecting duration including procedure type and cartilage adjustments.
However, our expert ENT surgeons at Asli Tarcan are masters of cartilage remodeling techniques to use minimum surgical time for the entire process.
Here are the main steps of an ear surgery.
Step 1: Preoperative Preparation (30 minutes)
Our nursing staff will prepare you for the cartilage remodeling by positioning you in a comfortable style. They will then clean and sterilize the surgical site, and take pictures for otoplasty before and after comparison.
Further, an anesthesiologist will administer local anesthesia (1-2 mm) around the incision location (around 4-6 cm long) to minimize discomfort.
Step 2: Cartilage Exposure (15-30 minutes)
Our surgeon will then gently dissect skin and subcutaneous tissue to expose ear cartilage. They will check for possible ear injury or ear infection before moving forward with the procedure.
Furthermore, they will identify and expose the helical rim, antihelical fold and conchal cartilage. It is the most sensitive part as the final result is depending on the cartilage exposure.
Step 3: Cartilage Reshaping (30-60 minutes)
The main part starts when our otolaryngologists begin reshaping earfold. They will weaken cartilage using specialized instruments or sutures, before removing excess cartilage or reshaping existing cartilage.
Further, they will reposition it to achieve desired shape by using ear elevation techniques.
Step 4: Suturing and Closing (15-30 minutes)
Once the desired auricle reconstruction is achieved, our doctors will proceed with suturing the incision area. Meanwhile, they will revisit cartilage grafting to ensure the desired earlobe reduction
Once satisfied with the results, they will close incisions in layers using staples, while closing the skin with sutures.
Step 5: Dressing and Immediate Recovery (10-15 minutes)
Our staff will take care of you by allowing you to break free from anesthesia. Once you are normal, they will apply necessary dressing and lubes around the incision area.
Our doctors will provide post-operative care instructions to help minimize complications.
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What to do after an Otoplasty?
Otoplasty in Turkey produces best results when followed by post-op care.
Therefore, ensure that you fully comply with otoplasty recovery tips provided by our experts to minimize downtime and optimize results.
Here are general guidelines to follow an otoplasty:
- Rest: Relax with head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Pain management: Follow pain medication instructions.
- Dressing: Leave dressing and bandages intact.
- Monitoring: Monitor for bleeding, excessive swelling, or discharge.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Antibiotic ointment: Apply antibiotic ointment to incisions.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous activities, bending, or heavy lifting.
- Showering: Gently shower, avoiding direct water on incisions.
- Scar care: Massage scars gently with silicone gel or cream.
- Sun protection: Avoid direct sun exposure; use sunscreen (SPF 30+).
- Smoking: Avoid smoking and nicotine products.
- Follow-up: Continue follow-up appointments.
Who is not a Good Fit for Otoplasty?
Although, ear pinning surgery is not a complex procedure. However, its surgical nature hinders certain patients to adopt this option and thus stops them from otoplasty preparation.
Otoplasty reviews suggest the following contraindications:
- Active infection (e.g., infected ear, cellulitis)
- Severe chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Severe immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy)
- Current or recent cancer treatment
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children under 5 years old (lack of ear development)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Severe respiratory disease (e.g., COPD)
- Active autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Are there any Otoplasty Complications?
Like any other procedure, ear reshaping surgery has its risks. Although, there are no major side effects, yet staying alert to possible complications will help you to minimize their impact.
Common otoplasty risks involves:
- Ear pain or ear discomfort
- Infection (e.g., wound infection, abscess)
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Scarring (e.g., keloid, hypertrophic)
- Asymmetry or uneven ears
- Suture complications (e.g., suture breakage, loosening)
- Skin irritation or allergic reactions
- Numbness or temporary nerve damage
- Cartilage irregularities
- Unsatisfactory results
How much is Otoplasty Cost in Turkey?
Ear surgery cost varies across countries and depends on different factors such as clinic, surgeon, and type of procedure.
At Asli Tarcan, we have a team of expert ENT surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities that provide high-quality ear reconstruction surgery at affordable prices. By combining affordability with exceptional care, we are making otoplasty accessible to a wider range of patients.
Here is an ear cosmetic surgery cost comparison:
| Country | Approx. Otoplasty Cost |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| USA | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| UK | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Canada | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| France | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Germany | $4,500 – $6,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is otoplasty very painful?
No! While some patients may feel pain or discomfort after an otoplasty, it will fade away in a couple of days.
How to fix big ears without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments such as splinting and the taping method can fix acquired ear deformity.
What is the difference between ear pinning and otoplasty?
Ear pinning focuses on protrusion correction, while otoplasty addresses a wider range of ear concerns. Likewise, otoplasty is a complex technique as compared to pinning.
Can you lose hearing from otoplasty?
No! Otoplasty will not affect your hearing.
Do you have to shave your head for otoplasty?
No! Since hair does not get in the way of otoplasty incision, hence, patients do not need to shave their heads.
What is the best age for otoplasty?
Our ears are full grown around the age of 5, hence performing otoplasty at this age optimizes results.
