Prominent ears are one of the most common facial features people ask to have corrected, and they are not a medical problem in themselves. When the way the ears stand out causes self-consciousness or teasing, otoplasty can reposition and reshape them. This page explains how the operation works, who it is generally suitable for and what recovery in Antalya involves, so that you can arrive at a consultation with clear questions.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also called ear pinning or prominent ear correction, is a surgical procedure that brings ears that stick out closer to the side of the head and recreates natural folds in the ear cartilage. It changes the position and contour of the outer ear only.
Ears look prominent for two main reasons, which often occur together:
- An under-developed antihelical fold – the curved ridge inside the rim of the ear is flat or missing, so the upper part of the ear tilts outwards.
- An enlarged or deep conchal bowl – the cup-shaped part next to the ear canal is large, pushing the whole ear away from the head.
Prominence can affect one or both ears and can range from mild to marked. Identifying which structure is responsible is the most important part of planning, because each cause is corrected in a different way.
Who is a suitable candidate for ear pinning?
Otoplasty is generally suitable for children from around six years of age and for adults in good general health who are bothered by the shape or position of their ears. The final decision is always made at a medical examination.
| Usually suitable | Usually needs further assessment or a delay |
|---|---|
| Children from about 6 years whose ear growth is largely complete | Children younger than about 5–6 years |
| Teenagers and adults with prominent or asymmetric ears | Active ear infections or skin conditions around the ear |
| People with realistic expectations of improvement, not identical ears | Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication that cannot be paused |
| Non-smokers, or those willing to stop around the time of surgery | A history of keloid scarring (needs careful discussion) |
For children, it matters that the child is aware of the operation and wants it, and is old enough to cooperate with the headband and aftercare. For adults there is no upper age limit as such; older cartilage is firmer, which influences the choice of technique rather than whether surgery is possible.
How is otoplasty performed?
Most otoplasty operations use a small incision in the natural groove behind the ear, through which the cartilage is reshaped and secured with stitches. The exact combination of steps depends on what is causing the prominence.
Suture techniques
Non-dissolving internal stitches are placed in the cartilage to fold it into a new antihelical ridge, or to draw the conchal bowl back towards the head. Suture-based methods work particularly well in children and in adults whose cartilage is still relatively soft.
Cartilage scoring or weakening
When cartilage is thick and springy, as is common in adults, the surgeon may lightly score or thin its surface so it bends more readily into its new shape. This is usually combined with stitches.
Conchal reduction
If the bowl of the ear is oversized, a small crescent of cartilage may be removed so the ear can sit closer to the head without looking pressed flat.
Anaesthesia
Younger children are usually treated under general anaesthesia. Older children and adults can often have local anaesthesia combined with sedation, which keeps you relaxed and comfortable. The anaesthetic plan is confirmed after your health assessment.
What happens at the consultation?
At the consultation your ears are examined from the front, side and back, the cause of the prominence is identified and the options are explained, including what otoplasty can and cannot change. Your medical history, medicines and any previous ear surgery are reviewed.
It helps to bring:
- a list of current medicines and supplements
- details of any previous operations or reactions to anaesthesia
- photographs, if you have them, showing what bothers you most
You can get in touch through the contact page to arrange an initial assessment and to send photographs beforehand.
How long is recovery after otoplasty?
Most people return to desk work or school within about one week, wear a headband at night for several weeks and see the final result after three to six months. The timeline below is typical, but individual healing varies.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Padded head dressing in place; ears feel sore, tight and swollen; pain relief tablets are usually enough |
| Days 3–7 | Dressing is removed and the wounds are checked; a soft elastic headband is worn day and night |
| Week 1–2 | Non-dissolving stitches, if used, are removed; bruising fades; many people return to work or school |
| Weeks 2–6 | Headband worn at night to protect the ears while sleeping; ears may still feel numb or tender |
| Week 6 onwards | Contact sports and swimming usually resume after clearance |
| Months 3–6 | Swelling has settled and the scar behind the ear continues to fade |
How long should I stay in Antalya?
If you are travelling from the UK or elsewhere, around seven days in Antalya is usually advised. This allows for the first dressing change and a wound check before you fly. Short-haul flights are generally considered reasonable once your surgeon has checked the ears, but the date is confirmed individually.
Aftercare once you are home
Keep the headband on at night as instructed, avoid lying directly on your ears, and wash your hair gently only when you have been told it is safe. Arrange for your GP or a local practice nurse to be able to look at the wounds if needed, and keep in contact with the clinic by message for questions.
What are the risks of otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a commonly performed operation, but like all surgery it carries risks. These are explained in detail before you give consent.
- Haematoma – a collection of blood under the skin, causing sudden, increasing pain on one side. It needs prompt attention to protect the cartilage.
- Infection – including perichondritis, an infection of the cartilage, which is uncommon but must be treated early.
- Partial relapse – some ears drift slightly forwards again over time, occasionally needing a revision.
- Asymmetry – small differences between the two ears are normal; noticeable differences may need adjustment.
- Over-correction – ears that look pinned too flat, or an unnatural contour.
- Stitch problems – internal stitches can sometimes be felt, become exposed or cause a small inflammatory lump and need removal.
- Scarring – usually hidden behind the ear, but thick (hypertrophic) or keloid scars can develop in susceptible people.
- Altered sensation – numbness, tenderness or sensitivity to cold, usually improving over months.
What results can I realistically expect?
The aim of otoplasty is ears that sit closer to the head in a natural-looking position, with soft, rounded folds. It is not designed to make both ears identical, since natural ears are rarely an exact match.
Swelling can make the ears look slightly stiff or flattened at first. The shape gradually softens over the following months, and the scar, placed in the crease behind the ear, usually becomes pale and difficult to see. Because cartilage has a degree of memory, a small amount of springing back is possible, which is why the night-time headband matters in the first weeks.
Why have otoplasty in Antalya with Dr Korkmaz?
Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Korkmaz is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and completed his specialty training at the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital. He has since worked at Isparta City Hospital and Antalya Anadolu Hospital, and now sees patients at his private clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya.
During the consultation he examines your ears, explains which technique he would recommend and why, and tells you honestly if he does not think surgery is appropriate. To discuss your situation, please use the contact page or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is otoplasty available on the NHS, and why do UK patients look abroad?
In the UK, NHS funding for prominent ear correction is limited and usually restricted to children meeting local criteria, so many adults consider private treatment. If you are thinking of travelling, plan for the consultation, the operation, the first dressing change and stitch checks in Antalya, and arrange for a GP or local clinician to be aware of your surgery once you are home.
Can only one ear be corrected?
Yes. Prominence is sometimes limited to one side, and a single ear can be corrected. The surgeon will still assess both ears, because the aim is a balanced appearance from the front. Sometimes a small adjustment to the less prominent ear is recommended for symmetry; this is discussed openly at the examination before any decision is made.
Will otoplasty affect my hearing?
Otoplasty works on the outer ear cartilage and skin, not on the ear canal, eardrum or inner ear, so it is not expected to change hearing. Temporary muffled sound can occur while the dressing covers the ears. Any existing hearing problem should be checked by an ear, nose and throat specialist before surgery.
Can I wear glasses after ear pinning?
Glasses rest on the area behind the ear where the incision usually lies, so the arms can press on a healing wound. Many surgeons suggest contact lenses or padded, loosely fitting frames for the first couple of weeks. Your surgeon will advise you depending on how your incisions are healing at the check-ups.
Can otoplasty be combined with earlobe correction?
Often, yes. A prominent or large earlobe, or a stretched piercing, can sometimes be addressed during the same operation, which may lengthen the procedure slightly. Whether a combination is sensible depends on your anatomy, general health and the overall plan, so it is decided individually at your consultation.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.