Prominent ear correction by a consultant ENT surgeon — for adults and children from the United Kingdom. A single operation, a lasting result, and a recovery measured in days rather than weeks.
Otoplasty — also known as ear pinning surgery or pinnaplasty — is a surgical procedure to correct prominent, asymmetrical or unusually shaped ears. The operation repositions the ear closer to the side of the head, reshapes the cartilage, or both — producing a natural-looking result through an incision hidden entirely behind the ear.
Prominent ears are caused by one of two anatomical variations: an underdeveloped antihelical fold (the inner ridge of the ear that normally lies flat), excess conchal cartilage (the bowl of the ear that pushes it forward), or a combination of both. Otoplasty addresses whichever of these is present — or all of them simultaneously — in a single operation lasting sixty to ninety minutes.
At Op. Dr. Özlem Oymak's practice, otoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation for adults, and under general anaesthesia for children. The incision is placed in the natural crease behind the ear — invisible once healed. A protective headband is worn for six weeks to support the new position while the cartilage stabilises.
“The goal of otoplasty is not to make the ears invisible — it is to make them unremarkable. A result that nobody notices is the best possible result.”
For UK patients, private otoplasty from a consultant surgeon typically costs significantly more than the package available in Bursa. With Dr. Oymak, the timeline from first consultation to operating slot is four to six weeks.
Otoplasty addresses specific structural variations in ear cartilage anatomy. The surgical approach differs depending on which variation — or combination — is present.
The most common presentation: ears that protrude more than 2 cm from the side of the head, caused by an underdeveloped antihelical fold, excess conchal depth, or both. Otoplasty repositions the ear and recreates the missing fold — reducing projection to a natural distance from the skull.
The antihelix — the inner Y-shaped ridge of the ear — is absent or underdeveloped, leaving the upper ear without its natural curve and allowing it to fold outward. Cartilage scoring and permanent suture techniques recreate the fold with precision.
The concha — the bowl-shaped central area of the ear — is excessively deep, physically pushing the ear away from the head even when the antihelical fold is present. Conchal reduction or setback sutures address this independently of fold work.
One ear protrudes more than the other — or the two ears differ in shape, height or angle. Asymmetry correction requires independent surgical planning for each ear: the manoeuvres applied to one side may differ significantly from those applied to the other.
Prominent, elongated or split earlobes — whether developmental or from stretched piercings — are corrected through small, precisely placed excisions. Earlobe work is typically performed simultaneously with otoplasty or as an isolated minor procedure.
A constricted ear with a tight, hooded upper helix and reduced ear height. More complex than standard prominauris: correction may involve cartilage scoring, grafting, and careful reshaping to restore a natural helical contour.
The technique depends on which anatomical variant is present. Most otoplasties combine two or more of these manoeuvres in the same operation.
Permanent mattress sutures placed through a posterior incision recreate the antihelical fold by drawing the cartilage into its correct configuration. The gold standard for fold absence — produces a natural, smooth antihelix without cartilage excision.
The cartilage is scored (lightly abraded) on its anterior surface to weaken it and allow it to bend into the desired fold position. Often combined with suture technique for more complex or rigid cartilage — particularly in adult patients whose cartilage has firmed with age.
Sutures placed between the conchal cartilage and the mastoid periosteum reduce ear projection by fixing the concha closer to the skull — without removing cartilage. Used when excess conchal depth is the primary cause of prominence.
A small segment of conchal cartilage is removed to reduce the depth of the bowl and decrease ear projection. Used when the concha is significantly overdeveloped and suture setback alone is insufficient. Incision remains hidden behind the ear.
A crescent of skin is removed from behind the ear to expose the cartilage and allow suture or scoring manoeuvres. The posterior incision heals in the natural crease and is invisible once fully settled — typically within three to six months.
Prominent or elongated earlobes are reduced through a small wedge excision that reduces lobe size and repositions the attachment point. The scar is placed at the natural lobe-cheek junction and becomes inconspicuous within months.
For adults, otoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation — avoiding the risks and recovery demands of general anaesthesia. Children under 16 receive TIVA general anaesthesia as standard.
Both ears are corrected in the same operating session — one anaesthetic, one recovery. Even when one ear is more prominent than the other, independent surgical planning for each side produces a balanced, symmetric result.
Otoplasty is one of the highest satisfaction procedures in elective surgery — because the concern it addresses is specific, the result is lasting, and recovery is comparatively brief.
Permanent sutures and cartilage reshaping produce a result that holds reliably over years. Ear projection does not return after correctly performed otoplasty. The appearance is natural — not pinned, not artificial — because the aim is to recreate the anatomy that should have been present from the start.
The single incision is placed in the posterior crease — the natural fold where the back of the ear meets the skull — and heals to a line within three to six months. In normal wear, including with short hair or hair worn up, the scar is not visible.
Most adult patients return to desk work within one week. The headband worn for six weeks is the main practical constraint — it protects the result while the cartilage stabilises. There is no splint, no significant bruising to the face, and no restriction on most daily activities beyond sport.
Both ears are treated simultaneously — including when only one is the primary concern. Correcting one ear alone often makes the other appear more prominent by comparison. Independent surgical planning for each side produces a balanced outcome rather than a symmetrical one.
Otoplasty can be performed from age five or six, once ear cartilage is sufficiently developed. Children benefit from correction before school age — avoiding the psychological impact of childhood teasing. Adults benefit equally, with local anaesthesia avoiding the need for general anaesthetic.
Many patients with prominent ears wear their hair in ways that conceal the ears — avoiding short cuts, tied-back styles or hats that expose them. After otoplasty, hairstyle choices are made freely rather than defensively. This is consistently one of the changes patients mention most.
Otoplasty requires two to three nights in Bursa rather than four to six — reflecting the lighter procedure and faster early recovery. The operational and financial cost of the trip is lower, making it particularly practical for patients who cannot take extended leave.
For both adults and children, the psychological impact of prominent ear correction is consistently described as disproportionate to the scale of the operation. For adults who have lived with this concern since childhood, the relief is compounded by decades of accumulated self-consciousness that lifts with a single, well-planned procedure.
Land in Istanbul, step into a private Mercedes. Just over an hour later you are in Nilüfer — Bursa's modern district, where Dr. Oymak's practice and Acıbadem Hospital are based.
The same surgical standard UK patients travel for — without the noise of Istanbul.
Otoplasty has a broader suitability range than most elective procedures — it is appropriate from early childhood through to later adulthood. The criteria that matter are straightforward.
Every international otoplasty patient follows the same four-stage pathway. From first enquiry to operating slot: four to six weeks.
A complimentary 20-minute private video call with Dr. Oymak — never a coordinator. We ask for two or three photographs showing the ears from the front and behind in advance.
You leave with an honest assessment of which anatomical variation is present, which technique is appropriate, and what the result will realistically look like.
A fully itemised written quote in GBP — surgery, anaesthesia or sedation, Acıbadem hospital, medication, twelve-month aftercare. No verbal extras.
A mandatory two-week reflection period applies before any deposit. We do not take same-day bookings.
Day 01 — private airport transfer, hotel check-in, pre-operative assessment.
Day 02 — otoplasty at Acıbadem Bursa. Day case for adults under local anaesthesia; one night inpatient for children under GA.
Days 02–03 — recovery at hotel. Post-op review before you fly home. Headband fitted and instructions provided.
Structured video reviews at week 1, week 6, and months 3 and 6 — directly with Dr. Oymak.
Direct WhatsApp access for the entire first year. The six-week headband review confirms stable cartilage position before it is discontinued.
Otoplasty is priced per session — both ears are treated in the same operation and the quote covers both. No separate charge per ear. The figure you sign is the figure you pay.
Travel and accommodation are arranged separately at preferred partner rates. No surprises on the day of discharge.
REQUEST A WRITTEN QUOTE →Verified reviews from international rhinoplasty patients — published with written consent. Aggregate rating of 4.7 from 120+ verified Google and Trustpilot reviews.
After searching countless places and doctors, I came to your clinic with a great deal of scepticism — and I found a truly professional process. I saw that you have elevated rhinoplasty to the very pinnacle of the field, regardless of gender. Meeting your expertise became a turning point in my life. I wanted to thank you for the care and attention you showed me.
Our doctor was a wonderfully warm and elegant lady. I am extremely pleased with my nose surgery and would recommend her to everyone. There was absolutely no swelling or bruising — I believe this is thanks to the state-of-the-art technology she used. I highly recommend her. She is very successful in her field.
Özlem Hanım is a doctor who truly loves her work and values her patients. She was very attentive throughout the consultation, explained everything step by step and put me completely at ease. Her warm smile and patient manner made me feel entirely comfortable. The practice itself is spotless and tranquil. I am so glad I chose her.
I had my surgery approximately one and a half months ago and I was quite anxious beforehand. My doctor took away all of that nervousness and worry. Her warm approach and willingness to answer every question at any moment made me especially happy. I am very satisfied.
After lengthy research, I had my surgery on 2nd July. Both the surgical process and the post-operative period were managed beautifully. Whenever I called, I could reach someone, and my questions were answered in a way that truly put my mind at rest. I can recommend her with complete confidence.
I have seen many doctors, but Özlem Hanım is the one who satisfied me in every way — I am truly grateful to her. I was having difficulty breathing and that problem is now gone. On top of that, the shape of my nose has changed dramatically. I have not had a single negative response from anyone around me.
I went to Özlem Hanım in October with complaints of being unable to breathe and a crooked bone. Compared to other doctors in the field, I think she performs her work with greater care and precision. It has been five months since my surgery and I am personally very pleased with my nose. I am so glad I trusted her.
After the disappointment I experienced with a previous doctor in Istanbul, I am so glad I found you. Thanks to you, I can now look in mirrors again and enter social settings with confidence. Your support throughout the process was also very important from a psychological standpoint. Thank you for everything — I am so glad you exist.
I had my surgery with Özlem Hanım two months ago. I had quite a problematic nose — there was no perfect wait, but the result turned out even more beautiful and natural than I had imagined. I had no issues whatsoever after the operation. Her attention and care are excellent. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
It has been exactly one year since my nose surgery. The recovery was very comfortable — no bruising at all and very minimal swelling. The result turned out even more beautiful than I had anticipated. I cannot thank her enough; it was the best decision I have ever made in my life.
Otoplasty can be performed from approximately five to six years of age — the point at which ear cartilage is sufficiently developed to allow safe surgical correction and a stable long-term result. There is no upper age limit: adults in their thirties, forties and beyond achieve equivalent outcomes, under local anaesthesia with sedation rather than general anaesthetic.
For adults, otoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation — you are relaxed and comfortable but not unconscious, and recovery is faster and lighter than after general anaesthetic. For children under approximately 16, TIVA general anaesthesia is used as standard.
No visible external scarring. The single incision is made in the posterior crease — the natural fold where the back of the ear meets the skull — and heals to a fine line within three to six months. In normal wear, including with short hair or hair worn up, the scar is not visible.
Ear re-protrusion after correctly performed otoplasty is uncommon. The most important factor in result stability is wearing the protective headband continuously for the full six weeks — this is the single instruction that most influences long-term outcome. Suture failure is rare and is covered by the surgical undertaking included in your written quote.
Most adult patients return to desk work within one week. The protective headband is worn continuously for six weeks. Contact sports and swimming are avoided for six weeks. Final ear shape is visible at three to six months. The overall recovery experience is considerably lighter than rhinoplasty — there is no significant facial bruising and most patients feel comfortable in public within a few days.
Otoplasty with Op. Dr. Özlem Oymak is quoted on an individual basis — both ears in one session. The quote covers surgery, anaesthesia, Acıbadem hospital, all materials, medication and twelve months of structured aftercare. There is no separate charge per ear. Private otoplasty in the UK from a consultant surgeon typically costs significantly more.
Yes — and in most cases it is advisable to assess both ears even when only one is the primary concern. Correcting a prominently protruding ear on one side often makes the other appear more prominent by comparison. The quote covers both ears regardless of asymmetry.
Op. Dr. Özlem Oymak is a consultant ENT surgeon operating at JCI-accredited Acıbadem Bursa Hospital — with twelve months of direct surgeon aftercare included. The all-inclusive package covers both ears. The trip requires only two to three nights in Bursa. The journey from Istanbul airport is approximately one hour fifteen minutes, and Bursa's calm Nilüfer district is well-suited to the light recovery otoplasty requires.
A complimentary 20-minute private video consultation. You will receive an honest assessment of which technique is appropriate for your ears, an itemised written quote covering both ears, and — if you choose to proceed — a clear plan for your time in Bursa.
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