What is Ear Aesthetics?
Ear aesthetics are surgical procedures performed to correct deformities in the ear structure. The most common procedure is to correct prominent ears that are known as “protruding ears” among the public. This procedure is preferred not only for aesthetic purposes but also to eliminate self-confidence issues and make the person feel more comfortable. Ear aesthetics is medically known as otoplasty. It aims to correct the angle of the ears to the head and their general appearance.
Protruding Ears and Other Types of Ear Aesthetics
Prominent ears occur due to the inadequate development of the ear folds or the wide angle between the ear and the head. This condition is congenital and can be seen in both ears or only in one ear. In addition to prominent ear aesthetics, procedures such as ear reduction, correction of congenital deformities, and repair of post-traumatic deformities are also included in the scope of ear aesthetics. Tears or enlarged holes in the earlobe can also be corrected with plastic surgery. Each procedure is planned specifically according to the person’s ear structure and needs.
How is Ear Aesthetics (Otoplasty) Performed?
Ear aesthetics are usually performed under local anesthesia and take an average of 1 to 2 hours. General anesthesia may be preferred for children. A small incision is made behind the ear to shape the ear cartilage and bring the ear closer to the head. During this procedure, the natural curves of the ear are preserved and the scars remain behind the ear, becoming invisible over time. Patients can be discharged the same day after the operation. The use of a special bandage is recommended in the first days and social life can usually be resumed within 1 week.
Who Can Get Ear Aesthetics?
Ear aesthetics can be applied to both children and adults. It is generally recommended to be performed on children from the age of 5-6 because most of the ear development is completed at this age. Intervention at an early age can prevent possible psychological effects before the child starts school. The procedure can be safely applied to adults without any age limit. It is a suitable procedure for anyone who has a prominent ear problem or who has asymmetry or deformity in their ears.
The Recovery Process After Ear Aesthetics
The recovery process after ear aesthetics is usually comfortable and short-lived. Immediately after the operation, the ears are wrapped with a special bandage. Mild swelling, edema and bruising may be seen in the first few days. These effects decrease over time and are usually noticeable within a week. It is important to protect the ears and not strain them during the first week. If the stitches are not self-dissolving, they are removed within 5-7 days. Patients can usually return to their social lives after a few days. Although the full recovery process varies from person to person, the ears take their final form within 2 to 4 weeks.
Ear Bandage and Care Tips
A special bandage applied to the ears after the procedure ensures that the ears remain fixed and the healing process progresses healthily. This bandage is usually worn continuously for 2 to 3 days. Afterwards, a protective band or tennis headband can be used while sleeping at night for a few weeks with the doctor’s recommendation. This prevents pressure being applied to the ears, especially during sleep. Water contact should be avoided in the ear area, hygiene rules should be followed and rough movements should be avoided. Care products and check-ups recommended by the doctor should not be neglected.
Ear Aesthetics Risks and Possible Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks in ear aesthetics. Complications such as infection, bleeding, opening of the stitches or asymmetry of the shape of the ear can be seen, although rare. In addition, some people may leave a scar at the incision site, but these scars are usually hidden behind the ear and lose their visibility over time. Hardness in the cartilage structure or deterioration in the ear fold can also occur rarely. All of these risks are greatly reduced when the procedure is performed by experienced hands and under appropriate conditions. When attention is paid to the healing process, the results are usually permanent and satisfactory.
The Most Common Mistakes in Ear Aesthetics
The most common mistake in ear aesthetics is pulling the ears back too much. This can create an unnatural, conjoined appearance. In some cases, there may be a difference in symmetry between the two ears. This is due to incorrect measurements during the planning phase or unbalanced placement of the stitches. Excessive removal of cartilage tissue during the procedure can also cause the shape of the ear to deteriorate. In addition, not using the recommended bandages correctly during the recovery period can also lead to loss of shape in the ear. In order to prevent all these possibilities, it is important that the procedure is performed by experienced specialists and that the patient pays attention to the care process.
Ear Aesthetics Advantages and Disadvantages
Ear aesthetics provides positive effects for many people both aesthetically and psychologically. Its biggest advantage is that the ears become more compatible with the face and the person’s self-confidence increases. Especially in children, interventions performed at an early age prevent negative effects that may be experienced in social life. The scars are usually hidden behind the ear and fade over time. The recovery period after the procedure is short and comfortable.
However, some disadvantages should also be taken into consideration. Although rare, complications such as infection, asymmetry or deformity may develop. In a very low probability, the procedure may need to be repeated. In addition, the pressure applied to the ears is an issue that should be taken into consideration, especially in the first weeks. The success of this procedure, where the advantages are at the forefront, is directly related to correct planning and patient compliance.
Ear Aesthetics Prices 2025
Ear aesthetics prices in 2025 may vary depending on the experience of the specialist performing the procedure, the city where the clinic is located, the type of anesthesia used, and the scope of the procedure. There may be a difference in price between procedures performed for just one ear and those performed for both ears. In addition, while the cost may be more affordable if the procedure is performed with local anesthesia, the price may increase when general anesthesia is preferred. In some cases, package pricing can be applied when ear aesthetics is planned together with other facial aesthetics. It is necessary to contact the clinics directly for the most accurate and up-to-date price information. When evaluating the price, not only the fee but also the quality of the procedure and hygiene standards should definitely be taken into consideration.
Is ear aesthetics a permanent solution?
Yes, ear aesthetics is a permanent solution. During the procedure, the ear cartilage is shaped and fixed in its new position. This new shape of the cartilage structure is preserved for many years. After the procedures performed with the right technique and attention paid to the healing process, it is not expected for the ears to return to their former state. However, slight openings may be seen in case of trauma or not paying attention to the use of bandages after the procedure. Therefore, the healing process is important.
At what age can prominent ear surgery be performed on children?
Prominent ear surgery can usually be performed on children starting at the age of 5-6. Since ear development is approximately 85-90% complete at this age, the procedure can be performed safely. Performing it during the preschool period provides an advantage in terms of preventing children from being psychologically affected by their peers. In addition, tissue healing is faster in children, which makes the process easier.
Will there be any scars on the ear after the operation?
No, there is usually no visible scar. During ear aesthetics, incisions are made behind the ear and stitch marks are hidden in this area. Over time, these marks become compatible with the skin and lose their visibility. There is no scar problem in procedures performed with the right technique. Rarely, depending on the skin structure, the scar may remain visible, but this situation is usually not aesthetically disturbing.
Is ear aesthetics procedure painful?
Ear aesthetics are performed under local or, for children, general anesthesia. Therefore, no pain is felt during the procedure. After the operation, there may be a slight ache, pressure, or tenderness. These complaints usually subside within the first few days and can be easily controlled with prescribed painkillers. The level of pain is tolerable for most people.
How soon after surgery can I return to work or school?
Patients can usually return to work or school within 3-5 days after surgery. Although swelling and slight bruising may be seen in the first few days, return to social life is rapid. Recovery is achieved in a short time for jobs that do not require physically strenuous activities. For children, the return to school period should be planned more carefully, as the ears need to be protected.
How long should an ear bandage be worn?
The special bandage applied after ear aesthetics is usually worn continuously for the first 2-3 days. Although the bandage is removed at the end of this period, it is recommended to use a protective band similar to a tennis headband for 2-3 weeks to protect the ears, especially while sleeping at night. This helps preserve the new shape of the ears and protects against trauma.
When is it safe to take a shower after ear surgery?
It is recommended that the ears do not come into contact with water for the first 3 days after the procedure. If a shower is to be taken before the bandage is removed during this period, the head area must be kept dry. After the bandage is removed and a doctor’s check-up is performed, it is usually possible to take a shower carefully from the 4th or 5th day onwards. Direct pressurized water should not be applied, and the area should be cleaned gently.
Does the use of glasses affect recovery?
Yes, wearing glasses after ear surgery can affect the healing process. Especially during the first 2-3 weeks, the pressure from the stems behind the ear can cause discomfort, redness or deformity in the suture line. Therefore, it is recommended to choose contact lenses instead of glasses if possible in the first weeks after the procedure. If wearing glasses is necessary, models with soft stems should be preferred and it should be ensured that the stems do not touch the ear. After healing is complete, wearing glasses becomes safe.
When can I start doing sports and swimming?
After ear aesthetics, low-intensity exercises such as light walking can be started within 5-7 days. However, sports that cause sweating, are intense and carry a risk of impact to the head area should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks. Activities that involve contact with water, such as swimming, become safe after the ear area has completely healed, usually starting from the 4th week. The determinant in this regard is that the stitches in the ears have completely closed and the risk of infection has been eliminated. In any case, sports and swimming should not be started without the approval of the doctor.
Will the ear reopen or return?
Ear aesthetic procedures performed with the right technique provide permanent results. However, in rare cases, partial opening of the ears may occur. This situation usually occurs as a result of inadequate protection during the healing process, carelessness in the use of bandages, or external pressure applied to the ears. Protecting the ears during the first few weeks minimizes this risk. Slight openings usually do not require correction, but if there is significant deformity, a second intervention may be required.