Otoplasty FAQ

As Turkey’s leading specialist in otoplasty with over 25 years of focused experience, I understand you likely have many questions about ear correction surgery. This comprehensive guide addresses the most common concerns my patients have – from determining if you’re a good candidate to understanding every step of the process and recovery. While these answers provide general information, please remember each case is unique. I welcome you to schedule a personal consultation where we can discuss your specific needs and goals.

1. Deciding If Otoplasty Is Right for You

Do you think that I need otoplasty surgery?

The patient should ideally provide their own response to this question. Individuals who are concerned about the prominence of their ears may consider otoplasty as a potential solution. In the initial consultation at the clinic, the patient’s concerns and expectations are carefully considered, a physical examination is conducted, and a discussion takes place regarding the achievable outcomes through surgery. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the surgery is a collaborative one between the patient and the doctor.

What causes prominent ears?

Patients sometimes suggest that the prominence of their ears might be linked to their sleeping positions or parental actions. While it is rare for protruding ears to result from such factors in the initial one or two weeks after birth, the typical causes are either genetic predisposition or structural characteristics. Therefore, the development of prominent ears is not a condition that arises later in life.

At what age can prominent ear surgery be performed?
While there isn’t a specific age limit, it’s generally considered appropriate to consider ear surgery at the earliest around the age of 6. What’s crucial in this context is the nature of the child’s ear condition. If a child’s ears prominently stand out, causing distress and potential bullying concerns among peers, it’s advisable to consider surgery before they begin school. However, if the child’s ears aren’t particularly conspicuous, and the child doesn’t express concern about them, it may be reasonable to postpone surgery.
Can the ears be reshaped without surgery?
During the initial one to two months after birth, it’s possible to shape a baby’s ears using different molding and bandaging techniques. This is particularly crucial for addressing certain ear deformities aside from protruding ears, which can be challenging to correct through surgery and become noticeable right after birth. To ensure that this molding process is performed without harming the ear, it should be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Conversely, prominent ear disorder typically becomes more noticeable a few months after birth, and regrettably, this early window for ear shaping is often missed.
Do you perform incisionless otoplasty?
Based on my experience with patients who have undergone surgery using this technique and subsequently seek revision surgery, I’ve observed a notable likelihood of the ear reopening and encountering issues with the stitches. Due to these concerns, I choose not to utilize this incisionless ear aesthetic procedure and do not recommend it to my patients.
Does otoplasty surgery affect hearing?

Otoplasty has not been shown to have a significant negative effect on hearing.

2. Preparing for Surgery

Which medications should I avoid taking prior to the surgery?
Please make sure to inform us about any medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements you regularly or occasionally take. You should discontinue medications that can prolong bleeding time or impede wound healing after consulting with us or your personal physician. It’s crucial not to halt any medications you require for regular use without consulting your doctor. Specifically, you should cease the use of blood thinners like Aspirin and Coumadin, as well as dietary supplements containing Vitamin E, Omega-3, fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba at least one week before the surgery.
Is it problematic if I use tobacco products before the surgery?
Aside from the well-known adverse health effects of smoking, it can also have a negative impact on the process of wound healing. Therefore, it is advisable to quit smoking before undergoing any type of surgery. However, it’s worth noting that prominent ear surgery doesn’t fall under the category of surgeries that must not be performed on smokers. This general guideline primarily pertains to prominent ear surgery. If you are scheduled for ear reduction surgery, have previously had ear surgery that might lead to circulatory issues in your ear, or if a non-standard surgical technique is planned, it is strongly recommended to cease smoking before the procedure and abstain from smoking for at least 3 weeks following the surgery.
How long in advance should I refrain from alcohol before/after surgery?

To minimize the risk of increased bleeding, it’s important to abstain from alcohol for at least 48 hours before the surgery. After the surgery, the duration during which you should avoid alcohol consumption can vary depending on the specific surgical procedure, but typically, it’s advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol for a period of 10 to 14 days.

What attire is recommended for the day of the surgery?
Given that there will be a dressing covering your head after the surgery, it’s advisable to wear clothing with a wide neckline or front buttons, which will make it easier to change clothes after the procedure. Additionally, selecting comfortable clothing is a good idea to ensure your overall comfort on the day of surgery.
Is it necessary to fast before the surgery?
Patients undergoing prominent ear surgery with local anesthesia may find it more comfortable to have a light meal before the procedure. However, if the surgery requires general anesthesia, it’s essential to refrain from consuming anything, including water, for a period of 8 hours leading up to the surgery.
If I send a photo, can you provide comments or observations based on it?
Certainly, you can share a photo, and I can offer feedback or comments. However, it’s important to note that this feedback will not be as reliable as a proper medical examination.
I use hearing aids. Would this be a problem?

If you are using an in-ear device, you can typically begin using it 2-3 days after the surgery, depending on the specific procedure. However, if there is considerable swelling in your ear, your device may temporarily not fit comfortably. Conversely, if your hearing aid has a behind-the-ear component, it may not fit as snugly behind the ear as it did before the surgery, given that the available space behind your ears will significantly decrease after the procedure.

3. Surgery Day

What type of anesthesia is used? What are the advantages of local anesthesia?

I would like to opt for local anesthesia for the prominent ear surgery. Naturally, this choice is contingent upon the patient being of an appropriate age. To date, the youngest patient on whom I have conducted prominent ear surgery using only local anesthesia, which involves numbing, was 10 years old. First and foremost, I must emphasize that surgery with local anesthesia is a considerably simpler process for the patient. It eliminates the need for pre-operative tests, hospitalization, and general anesthesia, making the entire procedure more straightforward. Moreover, one of the most significant advantages of using local anesthesia, from my perspective, is the ability to have the patient seated during the surgery. This allows for a more precise evaluation of the results and enables me to obtain the patient’s input on the desired shape of their ears. If needed, I can also make additional adjustments during the surgery.

Can I have general anesthesia instead?

For patients who have fears and concerns about undergoing surgery with local anesthesia, I perform the procedure under general anesthesia. This choice is made to ensure the patient’s comfort and alleviate any anxieties they may have regarding local anesthesia.

Will I experience any pain during the surgery?

I administer local anesthesia using an extremely fine needle, and the majority of my patients report minimal to no significant discomfort during this procedure. A very small percentage of patients with a relatively low pain threshold have mentioned experiencing mild discomfort, but it is generally not described as unbearable. Additionally, I’ve noticed that many patients remain quite comfortable and composed while undergoing the anesthesia process, often not even flinching.

Is it necessary to remove cartilage in prominent ear surgery?
Each ear presents unique requirements. In certain cases, I conduct surgery without the need to remove cartilage. However, cartilage removal is frequently necessary, particularly when the concha part of the ear is deep, causing protrusion. In such situations, attempting to reposition the ear without cartilage removal through stitching or other techniques can raise the risk of the ear re-protruding later on. Furthermore, not removing cartilage can limit the ear’s mobility since it would require maneuvers to position the ear closer to the head than necessary.
Which techniques do you use in otoplasty?
While the specific surgical approach may differ for each ear, I primarily employ the classical open technique for ear aesthetics. This involves making an incision behind the ear, selectively removing excess cartilage from areas where it’s overdeveloped, and employing various suturing techniques in regions lacking natural folds. On occasion, I may need to make an incision in front of the ear to shape it effectively. During the preoperative assessment, I assess the patient’s ear structure and determine the most suitable technique, which I then discuss with the patient. For more comprehensive information about the technique, you can refer to the Deformity page.
What is the typical duration of a prominent ear surgery?
While the duration can vary depending on the individual patient, bilateral prominent ear surgery typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
Can I see the result during the surgery?
The primary advantage of conducting surgery under local anesthesia is that it allows the patient to actively participate in the process and share their preferences regarding the surgical outcome. I can make adjustments to achieve the desired results to the extent that the ear and cartilage structure permit, ensuring a more personalized and satisfactory outcome for the patient.
Will you overcorrect my ears to account for post-surgery relaxation?

No. The occurrence of small relaxations in the ears after surgery may vary depending on the cartilage structure and shape of each patient. However, this phenomenon is not consistent among all patients. These minor relaxations generally do not result in an appearance of protrusion; instead, they contribute to a more natural look. However, if I were to overly close the ears beyond their optimal position, and the ears remained unchanged, correcting this afterward could be challenging. Hence, I refrain from making the ears excessively adherent to ensure the best outcome.

Is it necessary to have someone accompany me? Can my companion be present?

While local anesthesia is being administered, your companion can stand beside you if it helps you feel more at ease. However, it’s important to note that they will not be permitted to be present during the actual surgery. Prominent ear surgery performed under local anesthesia is generally a less demanding procedure for the patient. Some patients do undergo this surgery alone and are able to leave afterward. However, having a support person or someone close to you can provide added comfort and reassurance on the day of the surgery.

4. Recovery & Aftercare

What kind of dressing/bandages will I have? When are they removed?

At the end of the surgery, we apply a bandage that covers your ears and a significant part of your head. You can find the design of this dressing on the surgery page. We will remove the dressing that was applied during the surgery ourselves, usually within 1 to 2 days after the procedure, and conduct an examination of your ears.

Will I be able to go back home immediately after the surgery?

You can return home after resting for a short time after the surgery.

Can I drive on the day of surgery?
The medications administered during the surgery won’t affect your ability to concentrate, but due to the temporary closure of your ears, sounds may seem slightly muffled. This could pose a challenge when navigating in traffic. Therefore, it would be advisable for a companion to drive you back home.
Can I lie on my ears after surgery?
Following the surgery, it’s important that you lie on your back for a minimum of three weeks as your ears heal. Elevating your head slightly during the initial 2 days post-surgery can help minimize swelling and bruising in your ears.
Will I have pain after the surgery?
While there are a small number of patients who report experiencing no pain, an even smaller fraction mentions unbearable pain despite the use of painkillers. The majority of my patients typically do encounter some degree of discomfort, but this pain is usually effectively managed, either fully relieved or significantly alleviated, with the recommended pain medication. In most cases, these pains arise within the first 1-2 days after surgery and tend to dissipate upon the removal of the dressing.
What kind of medications will I use after the surgery?
After the surgery, I recommend two types of painkillers (paracetamol and dexketoprofen) and a herbal supplement to reduce swelling.
Will I use a bandana?

Following the removal of the bandages, we provide patients with a bandana. We advise wearing this bandana throughout the day for the initial 3-5 days, and then exclusively during nighttime for the subsequent 3 weeks. This bandana is a straightforward and comfortable accessory for everyday use, and you can view a photo of it on the process page for reference. The bandana we provide after the dressing removal serves the primary purpose of protecting your ears. We do not attempt to reshape your ears by applying pressure with the bandana. In fact, wearing the bandana too tightly can have a detrimental impact on the surgical outcome.

Can I shower after surgery? How do I care for the wounds?

You are permitted to wash areas below the neck starting from the day of your surgery. You can begin washing your head and ears the day after the removal of your bandages. We recommend daily ear washing starting from the day your bandages are removed. You can wash your hair as usual with shampoo or soap. Following your hair wash, gently cleaning the front and back of your ears with clean fingers using water will be adequate for wound care. In cases where your ears are very close to the head and your fingers can’t reach, you can use an ear stick to assist in washing. Apart from this, we do not need you to apply anything to your ear such as Batticon, tincture of iodine, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.

Will my sutures need removing?
You will not have any stitches to be removed in standard prominent ear surgery, the self-dissolving stitches will be hidden.
Will there be swelling or bruising in my ears?
Experiencing some degree of swelling in your ears after prominent ear surgery is entirely normal. This swelling can temporarily make your ears appear more protruding, asymmetric, and different from their appearance immediately after the surgery. Bruising, on the other hand, can vary greatly among patients. While the majority of patients do not experience any bruising, a small number of patients may develop significant bruising. In most cases, both swelling and bruises tend to resolve within a week to 10 days. However, in rare instances, this recovery period may extend to up to 3 weeks, particularly in patients who bruise easily or have a tendency to bleed after minor injuries.
When can I travel after surgery?
Typically, there should be no issues with traveling by plane or other modes of transportation starting from the day after the removal of your dressing, or possibly even the second day, under normal circumstances.
When can I exercise or swim?

Around 10 days post-surgery, you can gradually resume low-effort activities such as walking. However, it’s advisable to refrain from engaging in more strenuous sports and swimming for approximately 3 weeks. For sports involving a risk of high-energy impacts that could potentially affect your ears, it’s recommended to take a more extended break of at least 8-10 weeks.

When can I swim after surgery?
You can typically visit the seaside approximately 2-3 weeks after your surgery. However, if you have any bruises on your ears, it’s essential to avoid sun exposure to prevent the formation of sunspots. To protect your ears, you should apply sunscreen and consider wearing a hat or bandana for added coverage.
When can I use a motorcycle helmet?

Providing a definitive answer is challenging due to the wide variety of helmet models available. However, we recommend refraining from using a helmet that exerts significant pressure on your ears for a minimum of 3-6 weeks following the surgery.

When is it safe to resume my sexual activity?

It would be advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse for approximately 10 days following the surgery.

When can I begin wearing glasses again if I normally use them?
We recommend refraining from using glasses for approximately 10 days following the surgery. After this period, you can gradually reintroduce your glasses. The exact timing may vary depending on factors such as the structure of your glasses and the location of the surgical incision. If you experience any discomfort or pain in the surgical area while wearing glasses, you may need to extend this period up to 3 weeks. During this time, you might want to consider using contact lenses as an alternative.
When can I start using headphones?
You can typically begin using earbuds 3-5 days after the surgery. This area of your ear usually experiences minimal swelling, which subsides quickly. However, if there is substantial swelling, using these types of headphones may not be comfortable or could cause discomfort. In such cases, it’s advisable to wait until the swelling diminishes. Over-ear headphones can exert unwanted pressure on your ear, so it’s recommended to abstain from using them for a period of 3-6 weeks.

5. Travel and Logistics

How much time off from work/school do I need?
Following prominent ear surgery, it’s advisable to rest for approximately 3-4 days. After this initial recovery period, you can gradually resume your regular daily activities.
Do you provide sick leave for work/school?
We issue a signed and stamped medical sick leave certificate that can be submitted to your school or workplace.
How long is the recommended post-surgery stay in Istanbul for out-of-town patients?
After the prominent ear surgery, you’ll need to come in for dressing changes about 1-2 days later. Therefore, staying in Istanbul for approximately 2 days following the surgery should suffice. Subsequently, under normal circumstances, you’ll have early-term check-ups at around 2 months and late-term check-ups at 1 year. Apart from these, there are very rare instances where you would need additional follow-up visits.
Is it possible to schedule both the surgery and examination on the same day since I will be traveling from out of town?
I’d rather not combine the examination and surgery on the same day. I believe it’s healthier to have a detailed discussion with the patient about the entire process and surgery before proceeding. This allows the patient time to consider all the details and make an informed decision. However, if circumstances prevent the patient from coming in for an examination beforehand, it’s possible to conduct both the examination and surgery on the same day.
Can I have my bandages removed somewhere else?
Our preference is to personally handle the removal of your bandages. However, in exceptionally rare cases, we may permit the patient to have their dressings removed elsewhere.

6. Risks, Revisions, & Long-Term Results

What potential complications should I be aware of?

Like any surgical procedure, there is a chance of encountering various complications in the early stages of this surgery. These may include bleeding, infection, and suture site opening. It’s important to note that we have not observed bleeding in any of our patients. Infection is an exceptionally rare occurrence, affecting approximately one in a thousand patients, and it typically responds well to antibiotic treatment. Additionally, we have never encountered wound dehiscence in any of our patients.

Is it normal to have numbness in my ears after surgery, and can I expect this sensation to gradually return to normal over time?
It’s important to be aware that due to the incision made behind the ear during the surgery, some degree of numbness or reduced sensation in your ears may occur. However, over the course of several months, this loss of sensation typically diminishes significantly.
Will my ears relax after the surgery?
It’s worth noting that there might be a slight variation of about 1-2 mm in the protrusion or recession between the immediate post-surgery result and the appearance after recovery. These minor discrepancies contribute to a more natural look and typically do not necessitate further intervention. However, in approximately 6-7 out of every 100 patients who undergo surgery, there may be noticeable relaxation in the ear. Globally, this rate is around 10-15% in the medical literature. In essence, this slight relaxation is an inherent aspect of prominent ear surgery, and we offer revision surgery for these patients as needed.
When do the ears typically relax?
In cases where the ears require revision due to relaxation, this typically becomes noticeable within the first 1-2 months following the initial surgery. However, in very rare instances, a small number of patients may not experience any relaxation within the first year but may exhibit relaxation at the end of that first year.
If I want revision surgery, can you do it?

Certain prominent ear patients may be extremely detail-oriented when it comes to their surgical outcome and may request revision surgery for minor changes of 1-2 mm. However, it’s important to note that surgery doesn’t always allow for such precise adjustments within such small margins. As the treating physician, I make the determination regarding whether to proceed with revision surgery for patients. My primary considerations include whether the ears have become noticeable again and whether the desired change the patient seeks can realistically be accomplished through surgery. If the patient’s expectations align with achievable surgical outcomes, I then decide on the appropriateness of revision surgery.

When can revision surgery be performed?
Revision surgery can typically be considered after a period of 9-12 months, once the tissues have sufficiently healed and are amenable to a secondary procedure.
Will I get definitive results if I have revision surgery?
In very rare instances, among the patients for whom I conducted revision surgery, there were two individuals who required a third surgery.
Will my ears be perfectly symmetrical?

Following prominent ear surgery, there may be minor asymmetries in your ears that are typically not noticeable in everyday situations. You can review patient photos on our Instagram page, and upon close examination, you may observe that most of them exhibit very subtle degrees of asymmetry. If you have high expectations for perfect symmetry and tend to scrutinize photographs to identify any differences between the two ears after surgery, you might notice these naturally imperceptible variations and potentially feel dissatisfied. In such cases, it may be more appropriate to reconsider whether surgery is the right choice for you.

Will the scars from the surgery be completely invisible?
I will utilize a specialized aesthetic stitching technique for the incision behind your ear. As a result of this special stitching method, the scars behind your ear may appear somewhat raised and noticeable during the initial weeks following the surgery. However, over the course of several months as you fully recover, these scars tend to become barely visible, even upon close examination behind the ear, in the majority of patients. It’s worth noting that among my own patients, approximately 0.4% experienced scarring that healed as raised keloid or hypertrophic scars instead of forming thin, inconspicuous lines. This type of scarring is related to the individual’s skin healing process. In instances of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, the healing tissue in the skin proliferates more than usual, leading to swelling and an undesirable appearance, as well as potential itching and sensitivity. In such cases, I may recommend various creams or cortisone injections to reduce the swelling, which typically responds well to treatment.
Is it possible to experience long-term ear pain following the surgery?
Following the surgery, it’s common for most patients to experience varying levels of pain, which typically diminishes significantly within the first one or two days. For some individuals, there may be a lower level of discomfort that persists for up to 10 days, but it rarely becomes a long-term issue. In my experience with my patients, only 2 out of every thousand may encounter long-term and bothersome pain. It’s important to note that any surgical procedure, including a relatively simple incision, can potentially lead to long-term pain in rare cases.
Is it possible for the stitches in my cartilage to become visible or protrude?
The stitches that are placed in your cartilage are similar to nylon stitches and are meant to remain in place for the rest of your life. In a minority of patients, these stitches may become visible, particularly when the knots are positioned very close to the skin and the skin is exceptionally thin. In such cases, any protruding knots can be addressed with a minor intervention to improve their appearance.
Is there a risk of the stitches in my cartilage opening or coming apart?

The stitches placed on the cartilage cannot become untied. However, depending on the characteristics of the cartilage tissue, the stitches may cause the tissue to tear, even if they are not untied, due to the cartilage’s insufficient strength to withstand them.

Still have questions about otoplasty? As an experienced ear correction specialist, I’m here to provide personalized answers and guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out – your confidence and comfort matter every step of the way. Send me your questions directly using the contact form below, or better yet, schedule a consultation to discuss your unique needs in person.

Send Your Questions Now

+90 532 520 02 99

+90 216 629 10 13

Caddebostan Mah Çam Fıstığı Sok No:1 A Blok D:3 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey

+90 532 520 02 99

+90 216 629 10 13

Caddebostan Mah Çam Fıstığı Sok No:1A/3 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey

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