Otoplasty

Otoplasty usually takes from 2 -3 hours using local anesthetic to numb the ear and a sedative to relax the patient. The surgery will start by the surgeon making marks where the incisions will be made. Hair will be secured not to interfere while having the surgery. The surgeon will follow the pre marked incision lines and close them with non removable sutures. If the ear needs to be enlarged or created the surgeon will take cartilage or bone from another part of the body. A dressing will be applied to protect wounds and keep the ears secure.

Otoplasty is suitable for almost everyone from children to elderly who is at a healthy condition. It may be harder for people with health issues like diabetes, asthma or heart problems to have the surgery as they can cause problems during surgery and at recovery.

• If patients are planning to have a hair cut then they shall do so 3 weeks before the surgery

• Patients should stop taking any medication or herbal supplements 2 weeks before the surgery

• Patients must quit smoking and other nicotine products like tobacco or the patch

• Patients must stop drinking alcohol 1 week before the surgery

• Do not drink or eat anything after midnight before the surgery

• Patients are usually sent home a few hours after the surgery but children patients under the age of 8 can be kept in overnight until the general anesthesia is completely worn off.

• Activity must be limited after the surgery

• Patients must not drink alcohol for a minimum of a week after the surgery

• Patients should take medication prescribed by the surgeon correctly and on time to reduce pain

• Children patients can return to school a week after the surgery but not take part in any activities such as sport as it can cause a trauma to the ear for at least a month.

Just like every surgery Otoplasty has some risks as well even though they are pretty rare such as

• Scarring

• Asymmetry in ear placement

• Change in skin sensation

• Overcorrection

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Reaction to anesthesia

• Allergic reaction

Incision – surgical cut made in the skin during surgery or treatment

Local anesthesia – induces absence of sensation to a specific part of the body

Self dissolving stitches – stitches, which are eventually absorbed by the body so there is no need for the removal of sutures

General anesthesia – variety of medications given to ensure unconsciousness, loss of control of reflexes. The patient is put to sleep to not feel any pain or discomfort

Otoplasty surgery will be performed. The surgery will be performed using general anesthesia for patients under the age of 8 and local anesthetic for patients over the age of 8. The surgery will take between 2 to 3 hours to perform. Otoplasty is done on an outpatient basis. Once the surgery is over the patient will be taken to a private room where they will be staying in hospital for resting. The surgeon will perform a check up and if they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results are all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to be discharged from hospital to their settlements. Patients under the age of 8 may be required to spend the night of the day of surgery.

Patients will attend a post surgery appointment for a final check up and consultation. The patient will be advised on further medication. There is no need for the removal stitches as the surgery is done using non removal sutures and they will eventually fall out.  If everything is right, then the patient is ready to return to their destination; unless patients undergo other surgeries together with Otoplasty, which require for them to stay longer.

• Trip schedule may vary. medicTurkey patient relations will provide you a detailed trip schedule before the travel.

• For details on accommodation, transportation and other services, please check the SERVICES page.

For children under the age of 8 the surgery is done using general anesthesia and for patients over the age of 8, the surgery is done using light sleep anesthesia. Incisions are placed behind the ear so there are no visible scars.

Otoplasty surgery is suitable for almost everyone who is at a good health condition. Children over the age of 4 and elder people are able to have Otoplasty.

Patients usually return to work or school within 5 to 7 days after the surgery. Initial recovery usually takes from 5 to 7 days.

Children are able to have Otoplasty from the age of 4. Children under the age of 8 have the surgery with general anesthetic and children over the age of 8 have the surgery with local anesthetic.

Yes, just like every surgery Otoplasty has some risks as well, even though they are very rare like infection and bleeding.

Children patients are kept overnight in hospital for anesthesia to be completely worn off but usually patients are sent home a few hours after the surgery.

The recommended stay in Turkey for Otoplasty is 3 days including consultation before the surgery and after the surgery.