Otoplasty surgery is performed to reshape the size and shape of the ear and its folds. Prominent or protruding ears are set back closer to the head, sometimes when necessary, size reduction is done. Ear folds can also be defined and accentuated during otoplasty when necessary.

Ear Reshaping Surgery with Dr. Unal in Istanbul

During your initial consultation with Dr Unal, she will thoroughly discuss your (or your child's) desires and expectations for otoplasty or ear reshaping surgery with you. During Dr Unal’s initial examination of your ears, she will assess their relationship to your head and facial proportion, and the relationship to each other. Dr. Unal will help you to plan the correction of prominent ear and otoplasty techniques that will help achieve the most natural result that suit you best.

Dr. Unal performs the otoplasty procedure commonly for children after 6 years, and for adults with prominent ears.

The otoplasty procedure is performed frequently for children beginning as early as six years of age, as the size of the ear is nearly that of adulthood by this age. Surgery is recommended before elementary school so that possible social discomfort in school is prevented. If no surgery was performed in childhood, adults of almost any age who have ear shape problems are candidates for otoplasty or ear reshaping.

Ideal Otoplasty Candidate

• Prominent, overprojected ears, poorly defined ear folds, large ears in children, teens, adults.
• Children with ear deformity after 6 years

Otoplasty Techniques

• Cartilage rotation, scoring, reshaping with suture techniques, cartilage reduction otoplasty

Otoplasty Advantages

• Sets protruding ears closer to head
• Creates more natural ear folds
• Restores facial harmony

The Ear Reshaping/ Otoplasty procedure

Dr. Unal uses a variety of techniques in ear reshaping procedure which are tailored to your specific needs. During the otoplasty procedure, the incisions are inconspicuously hidden behind the ears. The otoplasty procedure enables folding, suturing, and rotation of the ear cartilage to achieve a more natural, shape and position of the ears.

When size reduction of the ear is necessary, removal of some ear cartilage is done. A head dressing is applied at the end of the procedure. An otoplasty in Istanbul is performed in an accredited hospital. Depending upon your needs, the otoplasty procedure takes between 1-3 hours.

Recovery after otoplasty surgery

You will go home on the next day of your surgery with a friend or family member. After the primary head wrap is removed on the second day after surgery, Dr. Unal often encourages the use of a headband (terry-cloth or polar fleece, depending upon the season the otoplasty is performed) for two to three weeks.

Dr. Unal suggests taking one week off work or school following otoplasty. Light aerobic activity (elliptical, walking, bicycle) may be resumed as early as ten days following otoplasty, and more strenuous activity is begun at two to three weeks. For return to gym classes in school, Dr. Unal often recommends a two week period of unattendance to protect the ears from inadvertent contact from classmates. Dr. Unal discourages diving for approximately three to four weeks following otoplasty. Your relationship with Dr. Unal does not end after otoplasty surgery; she will see you often through the first weeks and months following your otoplasty, and will advise you on all matters in your recovery.