For patients in South Africa

Ear pinning (otoplasty) in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Ear pinning, or otoplasty, reshapes or repositions the ear cartilage so that prominent ears sit closer to the head. The operation itself is short, but the head bandage, the stay in İzmir and the long flight home all need planning. This page explains them for patients travelling from South Africa.

What the operation does

The surgeon reshapes or repositions the ear cartilage to change how far the ears stand out, or to improve their shape, size or symmetry. It is also used for differences present from birth or caused by injury. Because the cut is usually made behind the ear in the natural skin crease, the scar is normally well hidden once healed. The ear correction treatment page describes the techniques.

Who it suits

• Adults whose ears stand out prominently from the head
• People unhappy with the shape, size, symmetry or position of their ears
• People with an ear difference present from birth, or one caused by injury
• People in good general health who do not smoke, or who can stop before surgery

The operation can also be done for children once the ears have fully developed, typically from about five or six years old. Treatment of children is planned with the parents and the specialist team, and the surgeon decides whether it is appropriate for that child. Suitability for anyone is confirmed only after the surgeon has reviewed your health, photographs and goals.

How long to stay, and the flight home

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, with a short connection to İzmir; you will need an e-Visa. After health checks, blood tests and a meeting with the surgeon, the operation is done, and patients recover at Mandarin Grove, the recovery retreat near İzmir.

For the first three days you rest with your head raised and wear a protective bandage. Between days four and seven the dressings are usually removed or swapped for a lighter headband. Most patients are cleared to fly after six to eight days. Book a flexible return ticket in case the surgeon wants to see you again.

• Avoid pressure on the ears, including from headrests and travel pillows
• Keep the headband with you on the flight and follow the dressing instructions
• Expect some swelling, tightness and bruising for the first weeks

Recovery at home

Most people go back to work or school within one to two weeks. A support headband may be advised at night for several weeks, and contact sport, or anything that could knock the ears, waits until the surgeon clears you. The ears continue to soften and settle for three to six months. Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. Tell your GP about the operation.

Possible risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry, slow wound healing, changes in skin sensation and the ears standing out again; more rarely, bleeding, infection, cartilage irregularities or a need for revision surgery. Medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are covered by our treatment guarantee. For related options, see rhinoplasty, facial combination surgery and the face surgery guide for South African patients.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, and we will not promise perfectly symmetrical ears: no two ears are identical before or after surgery. We will not treat a child without the parents’ full involvement and the surgeon’s agreement that the timing is right.

Frequently asked questions

How long after ear pinning can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after six to eight days. The surgeon decides once the dressings have been checked, so book a return ticket you can change.

Will I have visible scars after otoplasty?

The incisions are usually placed behind the ears in the natural skin crease, so the scars are normally discreet and well hidden once healed.

Are the results of ear pinning permanent?

Yes. Once the ears have healed in their new position they generally keep their shape, unless affected by significant injury.

Can children have ear pinning in Turkey?

Otoplasty can be done for children once the ears have fully developed, typically from about five or six years old. Treatment of children is planned with the parents and the specialist team, and the surgeon decides whether it is appropriate.

Will my medical aid cover otoplasty in Turkey?

Probably not. South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad. Ask your scheme and insurer directly before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.