For many people, protruding ears, injuries or congenital ear defects cause insecurity. Modern advances in plastic surgery make it possible to correct this defect. Ear correction abroad is a reliable and affordable way to improve your appearance and become more confident. You can learn about the advantages and costs of otoplasty abroad in this article.
Otoplasty abroad
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to correct the shape, size or position of the ears. Most patients who decide to have ear correction want to fix protruding ears or improve their symmetry.
Depending on the method, otoplasty can be performed under general or local anaesthesia. In the latter case, the operation can be performed in an outpatient clinic, and the patient can return home immediately after the procedure.
Ear correction can even be performed on children as young as five years old. By this age, the shape of the ear is fully formed in most people, so the operation is safe. Children always undergo otoplasty under general anaesthesia.
The duration of the procedure depends on its complexity and the method used. The operation usually lasts about two hours. Otoplasty with threads takes 10-15 minutes. The surgeon operates on both ears to ensure a symmetrical result. The effect of otoplasty is natural and inconspicuous. The stitches will be hidden behind the auricle or between the folds of the ear. In many cases, it is possible to avoid stitches and scars after otoplasty.
There are four main methods of otoplasty abroad:
| Scalpel otoplasty | The doctor makes an incision behind the ear and removes part of the cartilage. The operation takes 1,5-2 hours. After the operation, you will need to wear a bandage before bed for 2-8 weeks and take painkillers for some time. |
| Thread ear correction | Using a needle, the surgeon fixes the upper part of the ear at the desired angle. This operation is quick, painless, and does not involve incisions or scars. During the operation, the patient can control the angle at which the ear will be fixed. After thread otoplasty, there is no need to wear bandages. |
| Laser ear plastic surgery | This is the most commonly used method. All manipulations are performed using a medical laser. In addition to greater precision, it also has disinfectant properties, which reduce the risk of postoperative infection. |
| Radiowave otoplasty | This is the most advanced method of otoplasty. The operation is performed without blood loss or scars. The radiowave method provides the shortest rehabilitation period and the most cosmetic results. |
Patients are also often interested in earlobe plastic surgery:
Earlobe correction with filler
This procedure is performed when the holes in the earlobe are stretched from wearing regular earrings. This usually occurs due to age-related changes in the skin. With the help of hyaluronic acid injections, the doctor restores tissue elasticity and smoothes wrinkles, giving the ear a youthful appearance. The procedure takes less than half an hour.
Ear plastic surgery after tunnels
Depending on the size of the hole, doctors may use different methods to restore the earlobe. The surgeon may need to remove excess skin, or it may be sufficient to apply a few stitches. In top clinics abroad, the procedure is performed using a CO2 laser. The operation takes less than an hour.
Where is the best place to have otoplasty?
Ear correction in Korea
The cost of otoplasty in Korea starts at $2,400
South Korea is one of the world leaders in plastic surgery. Korean doctors undergo intensive training and strict selection procedures. As a result, only the most successful doctors are allowed to practise.
Due to the large number of plastic surgery centres in Korea, there is fierce competition between them, which significantly reduces the price for patients.
Before the operation, the patient consults with the doctor and undergoes all necessary tests. If ear correction is performed on a child, parents must be present at the appointment. It is also possible to undergo 3D modelling to plan the outcome of the operation on a computer image.
Advantages of otoplasty in Korea:
- low cost;
- perfect sterility;
- international quality assurance;
- 99% success rate for ear correction.
Which clinics in Korea perform ear correction surgery?
Otoplasty is a safe and simple procedure that is performed in many medical centres. MediGlobus patients leave the most positive reviews for two clinics: ID Hospital and JK Hospital. These are reputable centres that specialise in plastic and aesthetic medicine. A large percentage of their patients are foreigners. The clinic’s services include airport pick-up, transfer, and the services of a personal coordinator and interpreter. During treatment, patients can stay in luxury rooms at a hotel located in the clinic building. In addition, coordinators can help arrange a shopping tour of Seoul or recommend local beauty salons and leisure facilities.
Among the doctors who specialise in ear correction, we can recommend Dr Bae Joo-sun and Dr Oh Seung-il. They are members of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and have many years of experience.
Otoplasty at ID Hospital
ID Hospital is a high-tech plastic and aesthetic medicine clinic certified by the South Korean Ministry of Health. Among the hospital’s advantages are advanced equipment, experienced doctors, and luxury services (including limousine, a free café, and beauty treatments). The percentage of clients who are 100% satisfied with the results of their surgery is one of the highest in the country.
The cost of ear plastic surgery at ID Hospital starts at $2,400.
Otoplasty at JK Hospital
JK Plastic Surgery Centre has won more than 15 international and national awards. Since 2010, it has been recognised as the ‘Best Clinic for Foreign Patients’ by the Ministry of Health. Over the course of its 20-year history, JK has performed more than 80,000 operations. After treatment, patients can relax in the Recovery Centre, enjoy spa treatments and the clinic’s rooftop garden.
The cost of ear plastic surgery at JK Hospital starts at $2,600.
Reviews of otoplasty in South Korea
Clinic: ID hospital
Procedure: Otoplasty
Patient’s age: 25
Valeria: ‘I was always bothered by my protruding ears. It was almost impossible to take a normal photo, and I was teased a lot as a child. Now I regret that I hesitated for so long about whether to have the operation or not. It turned out to be completely painless, and the result is 100% worth it.’
Clinic: JK Hospital
Procedure: Otoplasty
Patient’s age: 21
Ivanna: ‘The clinic’s service is incredible. It’s a combination of a holiday in a five-star hotel with super-advanced surgery. You can’t tell that my ears used to look different. If I want to change anything else about my appearance, I will go back to JK.’
Before and after photos of otoplasty in South Korea
Ear plastic surgery in Turkey
The cost of otoplasty in Turkey starts at $1,250.
Turkey is another leader in the field of plastic surgery. In the country’s leading centres, ear correction is performed quickly, efficiently and inexpensively.
99,5-99,7% of ear correction operations in Turkey are performed without complications. Turkish doctors are members of European and American professional associations and regularly participate in international conferences and exchange programmes. In addition, Turkish clinics offer advanced otoplasty techniques, such as CO2 laser, radiofrequency ablation and others. These methods allow the shape of the ears to be corrected without scarring and with a minimal recovery period.
Most clinics offer all-inclusive packages for aesthetic procedures. In addition, treatment in Turkey can be combined with visits to spas and relaxation at resorts in one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean.
Which clinics in Turkey perform ear correction surgery?
Leading plastic and aesthetic surgery centres in Turkey take an individual approach to each patient. Correcting the shape of the ears changes the proportions of the entire face, and experienced plastic surgeons can suggest the most effective solutions for a natural and inconspicuous result. Among the most popular clinics in Turkey are Estetik International and the Esthetica Aesthetic Medicine Centre.
Some of the most experienced and sought-after ear plastic surgery specialists in the country are Dr Erjan Demiray and Dr Riza Kanturk. They have many years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers.
Plastic surgery packages in Turkish clinics usually include the following services:
- Airport-clinic-airport transfer;
- Personal interpreter services;
- Doctor’s consultation, diagnostics, 3D modelling;
- Surgery, anaesthesia, consumables;
- Hotel accommodation.
Otoplasty at Estetik International
The Estetik International Centre in Turkey is one of the most innovative in the world. It offers the most advanced methods of aesthetic procedures. The clinic is ISO certified. Estetik International is proud that 100% of patients leave the clinic completely satisfied with the results. In addition, all operations performed at this centre are insured by the international ISAPS society. This means that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, the patient can count on a free revision (repeat) operation.
The cost of ear plastic surgery at Estetik International starts at $1,800.
Otoplasty at Esthetica
In 2019, the International Forum on Healthcare Progress in Dubai recognised Esthetica as one of the best centres in the world. The Esthetica clinic offers top-class surgical services combined with the highest level of service. Patients are offered the opportunity to combine their surgery with a holiday at one of the exclusive resorts, as well as various detox programmes and beauty treatments. The clinic takes a holistic approach, so in addition to medical procedures, it offers massage, meditation, yoga and nutritionist services.
The cost of ear plastic surgery at Esthetica starts at $1,800.
Reviews about otoplasty in Turkey
Clinic: Estetik International
Procedure: Otoplasty
Patient’s age: 30 years old
Patient from: Mykolaiv
Nika: ‘As a child, I was constantly teased for my protruding ears, and I promised myself that I would do everything possible to protect my child from the same fate. I underwent this operation myself, so I know there is nothing to be afraid of.’
Clinic: Esthetica
Procedure: Otoplasty
Patient’s age: 24
Patient from: Vilnius
Denis: ‘Otoplasty is a good way to quickly and effortlessly boost your self-esteem. Fortunately, with modern techniques, the operation is quick, painless and stitchless. And if you can combine it with a holiday at a resort, then why not?’
Before and after photos of otoplasty in Turkey
Otoplasty in Germany
The cost of otoplasty in Germany starts at €3,800
According to insider information, about 40% of Hollywood stars undergo plastic surgery in Germany.
German meticulousness extends to aesthetic surgery — the accuracy, sterility and quality of the operation are guaranteed. One of the strongest areas of expertise in German plastic surgery centres is reconstructive surgery. A large number of surgeons specialise in correcting congenital defects of the auricle or the consequences of trauma. In addition to this, there are comfortable wards, helpful staff and high-quality food.
It was in Germany that Dr Merk’s ‘no-incision’ otoplasty technique was developed. He is the world’s leading specialist in ear correction, with over 12,000 ear operations to his credit.
Ear plastic surgery is performed at clinics in Freiburg, Vivantes and Rechts der Isar. The plastic surgery departments at these centres have an excellent reputation.
Freiburg University Hospital
University Hospital Rechts der Isar
Otoplasty in Israel
The cost of otoplasty in Israel starts at $3,000
When performing otoplasty, Israeli doctors take an individual approach. Depending on the patient, doctors use different approaches — thread otoplasty, incision-free surgery, the Mustad method, the Stenström method, the Converse method, etc.
Very young patients whose ears are not yet fully formed are offered non-surgical treatment with EarWell. This is a lightweight device that is worn on the head for a month and a half. For 90% of children, this helps to correct protruding ears and eliminates the need for ear surgery.
The strongest plastic surgery departments in Israel are at the Ichilov, Rambam, and Assuta clinics. The doctors who operate at these centres are internationally certified and have a large number of positive reviews.
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Assuta Medical Center
Before and after otoplasty photos
Otoplasty in Germany
Otoplasty in Israel
How much does otoplasty cost abroad?
| Country | Cost |
| South Korea | from $2,400 |
| Turkey | from $1,800 |
| Country | Cost |
| Germany | from €3,800 |
| Israel | from $3,000 |
Summary
- Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic procedure performed to correct protruding ears or other defects of the auricles. It is a simple and safe procedure that can be performed on children as young as 5 years old.
- Modern methods of otoplasty — laser and radio wave surgery — allow for surgery without incisions, blood loss, or stitches.
- Ear correction takes from 10 minutes to 1,5 hours. The procedure can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia. Depending on the method, recovery takes from a couple of weeks to several months.
- The cost of ear plastic surgery depends on the method and the country. Inexpensive otoplasty can be performed in Turkey (from $1,250). Other popular countries include South Korea, Germany, and Israel.
Sign up for otoplasty today, and in a week, you will forget what it is like to worry about your appearance. MediGlobus clinic coordinators will help you find a specialist in ear plastic surgery for children and adults and organise treatment abroad.
