Patient experiences

How the process works for international otoplasty patients — from the first message to follow-up after you return home — described plainly, without testimonials or ratings.

How the process works

1. First message. Most patients begin with a WhatsApp message or an email. You are asked for photographs of your ears (front, both sides and the back of the head) and a brief medical history. The first enquiry is free and carries no obligation.
2. Assessment. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal reviews the photographs himself. A video consultation covers your goals and expectations, which technique — if any — would suit your ears, and the recovery timeline. A written treatment plan follows the call.
3. Consultation in Istanbul. Before surgery, the plan is confirmed in person at the clinic, consent is completed and final photographs are taken. Suitability is always confirmed by personal consultation and examination, and deciding not to have surgery is a legitimate outcome.
4. Surgery and early recovery. Otoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia for children, and most patients go home the same day. The dressing is usually replaced by an elastic headband after a few days, and most patients are cleared to fly about a week after surgery. The international patient guide and the recovery timeline set out each stage.
5. Follow-up. Follow-up continues remotely by WhatsApp for at least six months, with scheduled photo check-ins that Dr. Erdal reviews personally.

Checking independently

You do not need to rely on anything this site says about itself. The qualifications behind it — Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS), the Associate Professor title and the health-tourism authorisation (USHAŞ) No. 2026034015610080000444996 — are set out on the about page.

The practice's Google Business profile — location, contact details and anything patients have chosen to post there — is on Google, independent of this site: Google Business profile ↗

Watch more on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@dr.ayhanisikerdal ↗