Otoplasty, also called ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery, is a procedure that corrects ears that project too far from the head or lack their natural folds. Based in Suadiye/Kadıköy, Istanbul, Dr. Caner Kaçmaz is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon who provides personalized planning for both children and adults, aiming for ears that look natural and balanced rather than obviously "operated on." This page explains what otoplasty involves, who it suits, and how recovery unfolds, for information only.
What Is Otoplasty?
Prominent (protruding) ears usually result from an angle between the ear and the head that is wider than average, or from an underdeveloped natural fold in the cartilage (the antihelical fold). This makes the ears stand out noticeably when viewed from the front. Otoplasty reshapes this angle and the cartilage folds so the ears sit closer to the head and appear more proportional to the face.
Otoplasty is elective; unless there is a functional issue, it is a matter of personal choice. Its goal is not to repair damage but to address the concern a person has about the appearance of their ears and to bring the ears into harmony with the rest of the face. The procedure does not touch the ear canal or affect hearing; it addresses only the shape of the external ear.
Technique and Method
Otoplasty is generally performed through an incision made in the natural crease behind the ear, so the resulting scar stays hidden between the hair and the ear. The surgeon thins and reshapes the ear cartilage to create the missing fold and, where needed, uses permanent sutures to hold the cartilage in its new position. The exact technique depends on the ear's anatomy, the cause of the prominence, and the patient's goals.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Creating the antihelical fold | Define the missing natural fold and gently fold the ear inward |
| Conchal (ear bowl) reduction | Reduce a deep, wide bowl so the ear sits closer to the head |
| Cartilage shaping and suturing | Support the cartilage in its new position and maintain the shape |
| Behind-the-ear incision | Keep the scar in a concealed area |
In adults the procedure can often be done under local anesthesia (numbing the area), while general anesthesia is usually preferred for young children. Duration depends on the ear's condition and whether one or both ears are treated. The appropriate technique is determined by measuring and assessing the ear during examination.
Who Is a Candidate, and Who Is Not?
Otoplasty can be considered for healthy individuals whose ear cartilage is sufficiently developed. In general, it is considered for:
- Children bothered by prominent ears (usually once the cartilage has developed enough, around school age) and adults of any age
- People with noticeable asymmetry between the two ears
- Those seeking correction after a previous procedure, for example if prominence has partly returned (recurrence)
- Individuals in good general health with realistic expectations
The procedure may be postponed or considered unsuitable for people with an active ear infection, uncontrolled health conditions that impair healing, or unrealistic expectations. Suitability can only be confirmed through an in-person examination. For children, the decision is made together with the family, taking the child's own wishes and readiness into account.
The Process: From Consultation to Surgery
The process begins with a detailed examination. Dr. Kaçmaz assesses the ear structure, evaluates the cause of the prominence, and creates a personalized plan while discussing expectations openly. For patients living abroad, the journey starts with a virtual pre-consultation: an initial assessment is shared through photos and a video call, questions are answered, and the general process is explained. The definitive plan is still confirmed after a physical examination in Istanbul.
Before surgery a general health assessment is carried out, and medications and habits (such as smoking) are reviewed. On the day of surgery, once the procedure is complete, the ears are wrapped in a protective dressing.
Recovery
Recovery varies from person to person; the timeframes below are a general roadmap, not fixed durations.
- First few days: The ears are protected by a dressing. Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising can occur and are managed with the measures your surgeon recommends.
- First week: After the dressing is removed, a headband is usually advised at night. This helps prevent the ears from folding forward during sleep.
- First few weeks: Most of the swelling settles and a gradual return to daily life follows. Contact sports and activities that strain the ears are avoided.
- Several months: As the tissues fully settle, the result becomes clearer and the ear shape stabilizes.
During healing, the scar behind the ear gradually fades. Because the final appearance takes time to settle, patience is important when judging the result. Post-operative follow-up appointments matter to confirm that healing is progressing as planned; for international patients, this follow-up can continue through video calls.
Risks and Safety
Otoplasty can be performed safely when carried out with appropriate patient selection, sound technical planning, sterile operating conditions and an experienced surgical team. However, as with any operation, risks cannot be completely eliminated. Possible risks include bleeding, hematoma (a collection of blood), infection, variability in wound healing, changes in sensation, suture-related problems, asymmetry, and partial recurrence of the prominence over time.
Many of these risks can be reduced by following your surgeon's post-operative advice, but no surgical procedure can guarantee a result. Results vary from person to person. An in-person examination is essential for an accurate assessment, and you should consult your physician before making any medical decision.
Why Istanbul and Dr. Kaçmaz's Approach
Istanbul is an accessible center for patients traveling from abroad, with experienced surgical teams and convenient international connections. Dr. Caner Kaçmaz's practice in Suadiye/Kadıköy is organized to plan the international patient's journey as a whole, from examination through post-operative follow-up.
At the center of this approach is personalized planning: every ear is different, and the aim is not a "one-size-fits-all" outcome but a balanced appearance that suits the patient's facial proportions and their own natural ear structure. Respecting each patient's cultural identity is a guiding principle; keeping the ears natural and proportional, without overcorrection, takes priority. Ear aesthetics are often part of overall facial aesthetics, so the balance of the ears is assessed together with the harmony of the whole face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anesthesia is used during the procedure, so no pain is felt at the time. Afterward there may be mild discomfort and tightness, usually at a level that can be managed with the measures your surgeon recommends.
The incision is usually placed in the natural crease behind the ear, so the scar stays hidden between the hair and the ear and fades over time. Wound healing varies from person to person.
It is generally considered once the ear cartilage is sufficiently developed, often around school age. The decision is made at the examination, taking the child's wishes and readiness into account.
Yes. If there is asymmetry, only the more prominent ear may be treated; however, both ears sometimes need to be assessed to achieve balance.
Otoplasty aims for a long-lasting result. Because tissue healing differs between individuals, partial recurrence can occur over time. Permanence cannot be guaranteed, and results vary from person to person.
Many people gradually resume daily activities within the first week; contact sports and activities that strain the ears are postponed for a few weeks. The exact timeline depends on your healing and your surgeon's advice.
It starts with a virtual pre-consultation for an initial assessment. When you arrive in Istanbul, the physical examination, surgery and early check-ups are planned. Later follow-up can continue via photos or video calls.
Like any surgical procedure, it carries risk. Appropriate patient selection and an experienced surgical team are important in managing risk. Results vary from person to person, and an in-person examination is essential for an accurate assessment.