Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is not simply a procedure to bring the ears closer to the head. The angle between the ear and the head, the natural cartilage folds, ear size, asymmetry between the two ears, and the position of the earlobes are evaluated together.
In some patients with prominent ears, the primary concern is insufficient development of the natural fold known as the antihelix. In others, the angle between the ear and the head may be increased, or the conchal cartilage may be particularly prominent. More than one anatomical feature may also be present at the same time.
In Dr. Atilla Fesli’s approach, the goal of otoplasty is not to pin the ears as tightly as possible against the head. The objective is to create a position that is harmonious with the face and head while preserving the ear’s natural contours.
Prominent ear surgery can be performed during childhood as well as in adults. In children, anatomical suitability is not the only consideration. It is also important that the child wants the procedure, understands the process, and is psychologically ready for surgery.
“Prominent ears” is a commonly used term describing ears that project more noticeably away from the head.
This appearance may not result from a single anatomical cause.
Insufficient development of the natural antihelical fold, prominent conchal cartilage, or an increased angle between the ear and the head may all contribute to the appearance of prominent ears.
Prominent ears do not necessarily indicate a hearing problem. In most patients, the concern relates to the shape and position of the external ear.
The goal of otoplasty is to improve the relationship between the ear and the head and, when necessary, to reshape underdeveloped or insufficient cartilage folds.
In some patients, reducing the prominence of the ear may be sufficient, while in others the cartilage folds may also need to be recreated or reshaped.
If there is a noticeable imbalance involving the earlobe or other parts of the ear, these areas may also be included in the evaluation.
The objective is not to create an ear that sits as far back as possible, but to achieve a natural-looking ear position.
Otoplasty is one of the aesthetic surgical procedures that can be performed during childhood.
Evaluation can often begin from the preschool or early school-age years, commonly around the age of 5–6 or later, when a significant proportion of ear development has been completed.
However, the decision to proceed with surgery should not be based on age alone.
Ear development, the child’s general health, ability to understand the surgical process, and whether the child genuinely wants the procedure are all important considerations.
It is understandable for parents to be sensitive about their child’s appearance; however, a child should not be pressured into surgery solely because of a parent’s aesthetic expectations.
Whether the child is personally bothered by the appearance of the ears, wants a change, and is able to cooperate with postoperative care are important parts of the decision-making process.
Particularly in school-age children who experience social or psychological discomfort related to the appearance of their ears, these concerns can be discussed together with the family during the consultation.
In Dr. Atilla Fesli’s approach, the child’s wishes and psychological readiness are part of surgical planning.
Yes.
Otoplasty is not limited to children.
Adults who did not undergo surgery during childhood or who have become concerned about the appearance of their ears later in life may also be evaluated for otoplasty when their general health is suitable.
Because adult cartilage may have different characteristics from that of children, the surgical technique may be planned accordingly.
During an otoplasty consultation with Dr. Atilla Fesli, the assessment is not limited to the question, “How far back can the ears be positioned?”
The angle between the ears and the head, the antihelical fold, the size and depth of the conchal cartilage, the position of the upper ear, the earlobes, and natural differences between the right and left ears are evaluated together.
The appearance of the ears from the front, side, and back is important.
Previous ear surgery, trauma, and a history of abnormal scarring are also considered when planning surgery.
The technique used for otoplasty depends on the underlying anatomical concern.
In many techniques, the cartilage can be accessed through an incision positioned behind the ear.
The cartilage may be reshaped using appropriate surgical techniques, the necessary folds may be created, and the angle between the ear and the head may be adjusted.
Some techniques involve controlled cartilage reshaping, while others use sutures to create or maintain the desired contours.
The goal is to preserve the natural cartilage structure as much as possible while creating stable, natural-looking folds.
The antihelix is one of the important cartilage folds that contributes to the natural shape of the external ear.
When this fold is insufficiently developed, the upper portion of the ear may appear flatter and project more prominently forward.
In suitable patients, the antihelical fold may be surgically reshaped during otoplasty.
However, the antihelix is not the underlying problem in every patient with prominent ears.
The surgical technique should therefore be selected according to the actual anatomical cause.
The concha is the deeper, bowl-shaped portion of the external ear located near the ear canal.
In some patients, a prominent or deep concha may contribute to the ear projecting further away from the head.
In these cases, creating an antihelical fold alone may not be sufficient.
In suitable patients, the position or shape of the conchal cartilage may also be surgically adjusted.
No.
The goal of prominent ear surgery is not to pin the ears tightly against the head.
An ear that has been positioned too far back may also appear unnatural and may distort the normal anatomical contours of the ear.
In Dr. Atilla Fesli’s approach, the objective is to reduce prominence while preserving a natural relationship between the ear and the head.
As with other parts of the human body, the two ears are naturally not completely identical.
Differences in size, cartilage folds, the angle between the ear and the head, or earlobe position may already be present before surgery.
Otoplasty may reduce these asymmetries, but millimetric or mathematically perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
The goal is to create a more balanced appearance between the two ears and in relation to the overall facial structure.
Otoplasty is not a scarless procedure.
In many traditional techniques, the incision is positioned within the natural fold behind the ear, which may make the scar less visible when viewed from the front.
However, every surgical incision produces a scar.
The appearance of the scar depends on the technique used, the individual’s wound-healing characteristics, and the postoperative healing process.
In rare cases, noticeable, thickened, or raised scars may develop.
For this reason, it would not be accurate to state that otoplasty leaves no scar.
The choice of anesthesia depends on the patient’s age, the extent of surgery, and individual circumstances.
In younger children, general anesthesia may be preferred to ensure comfort and movement control during surgery.
In older children and adults, local anesthesia with sedation may be considered in appropriate cases.
Dr. Atilla Fesli and the anesthesia team determine the most appropriate approach according to patient safety and the extent of the planned surgery.
The duration of otoplasty varies according to the procedures required and the anatomy of the ears.
Correcting both ears, addressing significant asymmetry, or treating additional ear deformities may influence the operating time.
For this reason, rather than stating that every operation takes exactly 1.5–2 hours, surgical duration should be estimated according to the individual surgical plan.
In many suitable patients, otoplasty can be performed as a day-case procedure.
After being monitored for an appropriate period following surgery, the patient may be discharged on the same day.
However, the duration of postoperative observation may vary depending on age, anesthesia, the extent of surgery, and the patient’s general health.
Particularly in children, the decision regarding discharge is based on the clinical condition and recovery from anesthesia.
Bandages or other dressings may be used after surgery to protect the ears and provide support during the early healing period.
Later in recovery, a headband may be recommended, particularly during sleep, to reduce the risk of accidentally folding or traumatizing the ears.
However, how long and at what times the bandage or headband should be used may vary depending on the surgical technique.
For this reason, Dr. Atilla Fesli’s individual postoperative protocol should be followed rather than relying on a single standard timeframe.
Swelling, tenderness, bruising, tightness, and temporary changes in sensation may occur after otoplasty.
During the first few days, the ears may appear tighter or different from their usual appearance.
As swelling decreases and the tissues settle, the ears gradually develop a more natural appearance.
Some patients may return to desk work or school relatively early, but protecting the ears from impact and folding is particularly important during recovery.
Returning to school should not be determined solely by the number of days that have passed since surgery.
The child’s recovery, the degree of swelling and tenderness, and the risk of ear trauma in the school environment should all be considered.
A longer period of protection may be necessary for physical education, contact sports, and activities involving frequent physical contact with other children.
During postoperative follow-up, Dr. Atilla Fesli determines the appropriate timing for returning to school and physical activities according to the individual child.
The risks associated with light daily activities are different from those associated with contact sports.
Activities that may cause the ears to bend, be pulled, or receive an impact should be restricted during the early healing period.
A more cautious return is required for football, basketball, martial arts, and other activities involving physical contact.
The exact timing depends on the surgical technique used and the individual healing process.
Prominent ear surgery primarily addresses the shape and position of the external ear.
Standard aesthetic otoplasty is not an operation on the middle or inner ear and is not performed as a hearing procedure.
Therefore, correction of prominent ears is not intended to improve hearing function.
If a patient already has a hearing problem, this should be evaluated separately by an ENT specialist.
Like other surgical procedures, otoplasty is not risk-free.
Possible complications include bleeding, hematoma, infection, swelling, delayed wound healing, noticeable or raised scars, and temporary or, rarely, persistent changes in sensation.
Asymmetry between the ears, contour irregularities, or unwanted changes in the cartilage folds may occur.
When permanent sutures are used, problems such as palpable sutures, suture reactions, or suture exposure may develop.
In some patients, the ear may gradually move partially forward again over time, or revision surgery may become necessary.
Otoplasty aims to create a long-term change in the shape and position of the ear cartilage.
However, no surgical procedure can guarantee that the result will remain completely unchanged for life.
Changes may occur over time depending on cartilage characteristics, the healing process, trauma, or the surgical technique used.
Protecting the ears from trauma is particularly important during the early healing period.
Otoplasty is not limited to the classic appearance of prominent ears.
Abnormalities of the upper ear folds, certain congenital differences in cartilage shape, significant ear asymmetries, and earlobe concerns may also be evaluated in suitable patients.
Reconstructive surgical options may also be available for deformities resulting from trauma or previous surgery.
However, each of these conditions may require a surgical plan different from standard prominent ear correction.
Yes. In some patients, the concern may involve not only how far the ears project from the head but also their overall size or the proportions of specific parts of the ear.
Different otoplasty techniques may be considered for ear reduction in suitable patients.
However, procedures designed to reduce ear size may require a different incision and scar pattern from conventional prominent ear surgery.
The objective is not to make the ears as small as possible, but to create proportions that are more balanced with the head and face.
During postoperative follow-up appointments, the incision sites, swelling, ear position, cartilage folds, and differences between the right and left ears are evaluated.
Depending on the type of sutures used, some sutures may need to be removed, while absorbable materials may be used in other cases.
Bandage and headband use is also adjusted according to the healing process.
For children, recommendations for protecting the ears from trauma during play, school, and sports are discussed with the family.
What is the medical term for prominent ear surgery?
Aesthetic surgical procedures addressing prominent ears and other external ear shape concerns are generally referred to as otoplasty.
What causes prominent ears?
Prominent ears may result from anatomical characteristics such as insufficient development of the antihelical fold, prominent conchal cartilage, or an increased angle between the ear and the head.
Do prominent ears cause hearing problems?
The classic prominent-ear appearance does not generally indicate hearing loss. If there is a hearing-related complaint, a separate ENT evaluation is appropriate.
At what age can prominent ear surgery be performed?
It can often be considered from around 5–6 years of age onward. However, age alone does not determine suitability. Ear development, the child’s general condition, and psychological readiness for surgery are also important.
If my child has prominent ears, do they necessarily need surgery?
No. Prominent ears alone do not make surgery necessary. The child’s own feelings about their appearance and their attitude toward surgery are important considerations.
Can adults have prominent ear surgery?
Yes. There is no single numerical upper age limit for otoplasty. Adults in suitable general health may also be evaluated for surgery.
Is the ear cartilage cut during surgery?
Depending on the technique, the cartilage may be reshaped, new folds may be created with sutures, or other cartilage procedures may be performed when necessary. The same technique is not used for every patient.
Are the ears pinned completely against the head?
No. The objective is not to move the ears as far back as possible, but to create a natural relationship between the ears and the head.
Will both of my ears become completely identical?
Natural ears are not completely symmetrical. Surgery may reduce noticeable asymmetry, but perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
Does prominent ear surgery leave scars?
Yes. Surgical incisions leave scars. In many techniques, the incision is positioned in the fold behind the ear, which may limit its visibility from the front.
Will I need to wear a headband after surgery?
A headband may be recommended in suitable patients. How and how long it should be worn are determined by Dr. Atilla Fesli according to the surgery performed.
Can the ears become prominent again after surgery?
Some degree of change may occur over time depending on cartilage characteristics and healing. Revision surgery may rarely be required.
Does the operation change hearing?
Standard otoplasty addresses the shape of the external ear and is not performed to improve hearing.
When can a child return to school after otoplasty?
This depends on the child’s recovery and the risk of ear trauma at school. Activities involving physical contact may need to be avoided for a longer period.
When can I return to sports after otoplasty?
The timing depends on the type of sport. Contact sports involving a risk of bending or impact to the ear generally require a longer period of protection.
Can large ears be made smaller?
Different surgical techniques for ear reduction may be considered in suitable patients.
Can the earlobes also be corrected?
Yes. Concerns involving earlobe size, shape, or asymmetry can be evaluated separately.
Can otoplasty be performed in Antalya or Qatar?
A consultation and surgical planning with Dr. Atilla Fesli can be arranged in Antalya, Türkiye or Doha, Qatar for prominent ear surgery, otoplasty, and other external ear aesthetic procedures.
A consultation with Dr. Atilla Fesli can be arranged in Antalya, Türkiye or Doha, Qatar for prominent ear surgery (otoplasty), ear asymmetry, ear reduction, and other external ear shape concerns.
The consultation is not limited to answering the question, “How far back can the ears be positioned?”
The antihelical fold, conchal cartilage, ear-to-head angle, earlobes, ear size, and natural differences between the two ears are evaluated together.
In children, additional considerations include whether the child wants the surgery, understands the process, and is able to cooperate with postoperative care.
This allows an individualized surgical approach to be planned according to the patient’s anatomy.
The goal of prominent ear surgery is not to pin the ears tightly against the head.
Every contour of the ear contributes to its overall natural appearance. For this reason, successful otoplasty planning involves not only reducing the ear-to-head angle, but also preserving the natural cartilage folds and maintaining balance between the two ears.
In Dr. Atilla Fesli’s approach, the objective is not to create an ear that looks obviously operated on, but one that attracts less attention and appears natural and balanced within the overall face.
Dr. Atilla Fesli
Antalya, Türkiye • Doha, Qatar
Natural. Balanced. Still You.
Op. Dr. Atilla Fesli
Doha, Qatar
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Doha, Qatar
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