What is the price of otoplasty in Turkey?
Otoplasty in Turkey costs between £1,050 and £2,450, compared to £3,000 - £6,000 in the UK. This all-inclusive price covers local anaesthesia with sedation, the 1 to 2-hour procedure and the stay. It is performed as day surgery, with no overnight hospital stay required.
📊 2026 Price Table
| Procedure Type | Turkey Price | UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Otoplasty (both ears) | £1,300 - £1,900 | £3,000 - £4,500 |
| Unilateral Otoplasty (one ear) | £950 - £1,400 | £2,000 - £3,000 |
| Revision Otoplasty (Correction) | £1,900 - £2,800 | £4,000 - £6,000 |
| Earfold (Minimally Invasive Implants) | £1,550 - £2,400 | £2,500 - £3,500 |
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty in Istanbul is a surgical procedure performed in Turkey that aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of the ears so that they blend better with the face. This procedure is primarily intended to correct prominent ears by bringing them closer to the skull.
The ear is an essential part of our physiognomy, playing both an aesthetic and functional role. It significantly contributes to a person’s overall appearance. Among the aesthetic imperfections affecting the ear, protrusion is the most commonly encountered issue.
Otoplasty is one of the most commonly performed procedures in cosmetic surgery. This procedure corrects prominent ears by adjusting their angle and repositioning them closer to the skull.
The ear normally forms a discreet angle with the skull. In people with prominent ears, this angle is wider and the ear stands out more visibly.
Prominent ears are a common feature of the outer ear. Although they cause no significant physical harm, they can have a considerable psychological and aesthetic impact on those affected. This condition is mainly characterised by an excessive angle between the ear and the skull, along with the absence of the natural fold of the outer ear.
Before and After Photos
What is the ideal age for otoplasty?
Ear development is virtually complete by the age of 5 to 6. This is why the pre-school period is considered the ideal time for this procedure. Recommending otoplasty in Turkey at a young age aims to prevent potential social trauma that children might suffer from classmates at school, and to avoid a possible loss of self-confidence in the child.
Although we do not have precise statistics for the UK, it appears that this condition affects both sexes in relatively similar proportions. However, girls have the option of hiding their ears under their hair for longer.
From the age of 5 or 6, no spontaneous improvement is possible. Since the development of the ear cartilage is complete by this age, the condition persists without intervention. A significant ear deformity can be a heavy psychological burden for the children affected.
Children who are teased by classmates during their primary school years may develop symptoms associated with psychological trauma, including a loss of self-confidence, reluctance to appear in public, difficulty speaking in front of a group, declining school performance and sometimes even a refusal to go to school.
Before Prominent Ear Surgery
The patient’s suitability for surgery and their expectations are assessed during the consultation. Detailed information about otoplasty in Turkey is provided, and the patient must be informed about the procedure before and after the operation.
Patients who cannot undergo local anaesthesia can also be operated on under general anaesthesia.
Otoplasty Surgery Procedure in Turkey
Prominent ear surgery is generally performed within one to one and a half hours under local anaesthesia and does not require hospitalisation. Recovery is moderately uncomfortable and managed with simple painkillers. The procedure involves incisions made behind the ear, using surgical stitches to shape the ear cartilage and bring it closer to the skull.
After the Operation
After otoplasty in Istanbul, the patient can return home once operated on under local anaesthesia. Painkillers are only needed for a few days. Your doctor’s advice on this is extremely important. After a few days, the patient can return to work.
The newly shaped cartilage is held in place by the stitches, and sports headbands are worn until the ear adheres to the surrounding tissue. This period lasts around 6 weeks.
During the recovery period, it is necessary to wear a headband at night
How is the price determined?
- Complexity of the operation
- Type of anaesthesia,
- Methods used,
- Whether otoplasty is performed on one or both ears,
- Issues other than prominent ears,
- Type of hospital (public or private),
- Length of hospital stay,
Is otoplasty covered by health insurance?
In the UK, whether this type of procedure is covered depends on your individual circumstances and the healthcare provider involved. Purely cosmetic cases are typically not covered and remain entirely at the patient’s expense. Check with your GP or healthcare provider before considering treatment abroad.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid doing after otoplasty surgery?
It takes some time for the ear to heal fully after major surgery. During this recovery period, the ears are held in a fixed position with a headband. The headband should be worn for around 6 weeks on average. During this process, patients should not wear accessories such as glasses that could reopen the stitches.
What is prominent ear surgery?
It is a common procedure, but it carries risks like any surgery. A meta-analysis of 14 studies puts recurrence or reoperation at 4.27%, suture erosion at 2.46% and haematoma at 1.34%[1]. Stitches are placed through small incisions to close the angle of the ear.
What is laser prominent ear surgery?
In ear surgery, the incision is made behind the ear, and many different tools can be used for this. Cartilage cuts must be made with great care, otherwise blood vessels within the cartilage can be damaged, causing heavy bleeding. Using a laser for the incision does not remove the need for anaesthesia, recovery time or wearing a headband.
Sources & References
- Alanazi H. Complications of Cartilage Sparing Otoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2024. Consult the source
