Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) in Ankara

What Is Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)?

Prominent ears are an anatomical variation in which the ear cartilage stands out from the head at an unusually wide angle. It is not a medical condition, but it can cause self-esteem issues and social pressure, particularly for children at school age. Otoplasty is a safe, well-established surgical solution that corrects this appearance permanently.

In Çankaya, Ankara, Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya performs otoplasty on both children and adults. Each patient's cartilage structure is evaluated individually and a personalized surgical plan is prepared.

Best Age for Otoplasty

Ear growth is largely complete by age 5-6, making the preschool years the ideal starting point for otoplasty, before a child faces social pressure at school. There is no upper age limit for adults; any adult in generally good health for surgery can have otoplasty.

For child patients, the consultation process is carried out together with the parents; both the child's ear structure and general health status are evaluated before anesthesia.

How Does the Surgery Work?

During surgery, the surgeon reshapes the cartilage and secures it in its new position with permanent sutures. Because the incision stays behind the ear, within the natural fold, no visible scar is seen from the front. Both ears are planned together to achieve a symmetrical result.

Recovery Process

A head bandage is worn for the first week after surgery; it holds the ears in their new position. Afterward, a sports headband (tennis band) is recommended for 4-6 weeks, especially at night. Swelling and tenderness generally subside within 2-3 weeks.

Most patients return to social life and school or work within 7-10 days. During this period, children should avoid contact sports and activities that risk impact to the ear.

Single-Ear Surgery and Asymmetry

Prominent ears are not always symmetrical. In some patients, only one ear stands out. In this case, only that ear can be operated on; however, the surgeon evaluates both ears together to ensure the final result is symmetrical. The degree of asymmetry is measured during consultation and the surgical plan is shaped accordingly.

Revision Otoplasty

If a previous otoplasty performed by another surgeon did not achieve the desired result, if asymmetry persists, or if the sutures have loosened over time, revision otoplasty may be considered. In revision cases, the existing cartilage structure, the scarring from the earlier surgery, and tissue elasticity are examined closely, and a personalized correction plan is prepared based on this assessment.

Because the tissue has already undergone one surgical intervention, revision procedures require more careful planning than primary surgeries.

Safety of Otoplasty in Children

The question parents ask most often is whether general anesthesia is safe for a young child. With modern anesthesia techniques and an experienced anesthesia team, general anesthesia is considered safe for children. Preoperative evaluation examines the child's general health status, identifies any risks in advance, and the family is given detailed information about the process.

Otoplasty Consultation in Çankaya, Ankara

Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya practices in the central Çankaya district of Ankara, at the Via Green Business Center. Consultation, surgery, and follow-up appointments are all carried out at the same clinic, an easily accessible location for patients and families from both within Ankara and neighboring provinces.

• Central Çankaya location, easy access
• Separate evaluation process for children and adults
• Combined ENT and facial plastic surgery expertise for a comprehensive assessment
• Appointments available Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM

What Determines Otoplasty Pricing in Ankara?

Under Turkish healthcare regulations, exact pricing for otoplasty cannot be published on a website. Still, understanding what drives the cost helps you prepare for your consultation. The main factors are:

• Scope: whether one ear or both ears are treated
• Cartilage complexity: antihelix underdevelopment, conchal overgrowth, or both
• Type of anesthesia: general for children, usually local for adults
• Primary vs. revision: revision cases require more complex planning

Why Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya?

Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya graduated from Gazi University School of Medicine in 2008 and completed her specialization in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at Ufuk University School of Medicine in 2013. After gaining clinical experience at Koru Hospitals and Medicana International, she opened her own clinic in Çankaya, Ankara in 2019, was awarded the title of Associate Professor the same year, and became a full Professor in 2025.

• Over 15 years of surgical experience
• 30+ international scientific publications and conference presentations
• ENT expertise applied to pediatric anesthesia and ear anatomy for a comprehensive approach
• 4.8/5 rating from over 87 patient reviews on Google

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries some risks. An experienced surgeon and careful patient assessment significantly reduce these risks, though they cannot eliminate them entirely. Possible risks include:

• Anesthesia-related risks (an anesthesiologist's evaluation is required for children)
• Bleeding and infection (rare, manageable with proper care)
• Temporary numbness or tenderness
• Mild asymmetry (revision may be considered if needed)
• Loosening of sutures over time (rare, may lead to partial recurrence in the long term)

Most of these risks are temporary and rarely lead to serious outcomes in experienced hands. The patient's (or child's) general health status is thoroughly assessed during the preoperative consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions