Quick answer
What is microtia?
Microtia is a congenital condition in which the outer ear is underdeveloped, ranging from grade I, a slightly small ear, to grade IV, anotia, where the outer ear is absent. It is treated with ear reconstruction using rib cartilage, a Medpor porous polyethylene framework or a prosthetic ear. In Turkey, microtia surgery is planned by specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Microtia Surgery at a glance
- Procedure time
- 3–5 hours per stage
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Hospital stay
- 1–4 nights
- Time in Istanbul
- 10–14 days per stage
- Back to work
- 2–3 weeks (school or work)
- Price
- Written quote after review
Microtia Surgery in Istanbul: overview
Microtia affects how the outer ear forms before birth and can involve one ear, which is most common, or both. Many children with microtia also have aural atresia, a narrowed or absent ear canal, so hearing assessment is as important as the shape of the ear. Through Med World Türkiye, families and adult patients are referred to plastic and reconstructive surgeons at partner hospitals in Istanbul who regularly perform ear reconstruction, and our team coordinates with ENT specialists and audiologists so that appearance and hearing are considered together.
There are three main reconstruction routes. Rib cartilage reconstruction using the Nagata or Brent technique uses the patient's own tissue and is usually done in 2–3 stages from around age 8–10, when the ribs are large enough. A Medpor or Su-Por porous polyethylene framework covered with a temporoparietal fascia flap can be completed in a single stage from about age 3–6. A bone-anchored prosthetic ear is an option for some patients. The surgeon recommends the most suitable approach after examining the ear, and the plan and price are confirmed after that review.
Which Microtia Surgery techniques are available?
Rib cartilage reconstruction (Nagata or Brent)
Cartilage from the patient's own ribs is carved into a detailed ear framework and placed under the skin, and the ear is lifted away from the head in a later stage. It is usually done in 2–3 stages from around age 8–10 and, as living tissue, is more resistant to knocks and infection than synthetic frameworks.
Medpor (porous polyethylene) reconstruction
A ready-made porous polyethylene framework, such as Medpor or Su-Por, is covered with a temporoparietal fascia flap and skin graft, often in a single operation. It can be performed from around age 3–6 and avoids a chest scar, but carries a higher risk of framework exposure that may need further surgery.
Bone-anchored prosthetic ear
A realistic silicone ear is attached to small titanium implants placed in the skull bone. It suits some adults, patients after unsuccessful reconstruction or those who prefer to avoid major surgery, although the prosthesis needs daily care and periodic replacement.
Hearing assessment and bone-conduction devices
Because aural atresia often coexists with microtia, audiology testing and ENT review are arranged early. Bone-conduction hearing devices can improve hearing, while ear canal atresia repair is a separate procedure planned with an ENT surgeon.
Why choose Med World Türkiye for Microtia Surgery?
All main reconstruction options
Families can discuss rib cartilage, Medpor and prosthetic ears with surgeons experienced in these techniques, rather than being offered only one method.
Hearing care coordinated
We arrange ENT and audiology input, including advice on bone-conduction hearing devices, alongside the ear reconstruction plan.
Family-focused support
Interpreters, a dedicated coordinator and child-friendly logistics help parents manage hospital stays, travel and follow-up with less stress.
Itemised written quote
Treatment in Turkey often costs less than comparable treatment in the US, mainly because of lower hospital and staffing costs – the written quote shows exactly what you pay.
Who is a good candidate for Microtia Surgery?
- Children with grade II–IV microtia, from around age 3–6 for Medpor or 8–10 for rib cartilage reconstruction.
- Teenagers and adults with microtia who were never treated or want a better-defined ear.
- Patients with anotia, the complete absence of the outer ear, who are assessed for framework or prosthetic options.
- People whose previous ear reconstruction did not achieve the hoped-for result, following surgeon review.
- Families who want ear reconstruction coordinated with ENT and hearing assessment for associated aural atresia.
What does a Microtia Surgery trip to Istanbul look like?
- 1
Day 1 – Arrival & family consultation
VIP transfer to your hotel, then examination by the reconstructive surgeon, photographs and pre-operative tests, with time for questions from parents and the patient.
- 2
Day 2 – Surgery
The planned stage is performed under general anaesthesia over 3–5 hours, using rib cartilage, a Medpor framework or another agreed technique.
- 3
Days 3–6 – Hospital stay & early care
Patients usually stay 1–2 nights after Medpor or 2–4 nights after rib cartilage harvest, with pain control, drain and dressing care.
- 4
Days 7–14 – Checks & flight home
The surgeon checks the ear and any chest wound before you fly home, and the next stage, if needed, is planned at least 6 months later.
What is recovery like after Microtia Surgery?
In the first week, the new ear is protected with a dressing and sometimes a drain, and after rib cartilage harvest the chest wound is often the most uncomfortable area, managed with prescribed pain relief. Children usually return to school within 2–3 weeks, while contact sports and pressure on the ear are avoided for longer, as the surgeon advises. By one month swelling has reduced and the outline of the ear starts to show. Around 3 months the skin settles over the framework. Further stages follow after 6 months or more, and the final shape develops over several months after the last stage. Results vary between patients.
How much does Microtia Surgery cost in Turkey?
The price of microtia surgery in Istanbul depends mainly on the technique – rib cartilage (Nagata or Brent), Medpor or a prosthetic ear – the number of stages, the patient's age, the framework material, time under general anaesthesia, hospital nights and the partner hospital. Hearing-related treatment is quoted separately. With Med World Türkiye, a partner reconstructive surgeon first reviews photos of the ear and any medical or hearing reports. You then receive a written, itemised quote from the partner hospital before you book anything.
What your written quote itemises
- Surgeon & anaesthesia fees
- Hospital stay for the stage
- Framework material where applicable
- Pre-operative tests & dressings
- Hotel & VIP transfers for the family
- Interpreter & aftercare follow-up
Med World Türkiye does not publish a price list. Every price comes from a written, itemised quote issued by the partner hospital after a surgeon has reviewed your photos, scans or medical records.
Microtia Surgery: frequently asked questions
How much does microtia surgery cost in Turkey?
The cost of microtia surgery in Turkey depends on the technique, such as rib cartilage or Medpor reconstruction, the number of stages, the patient's age and the hospital stay at partner hospitals in Istanbul. Because cases vary greatly, every quote is individual. Your initial consultation is free: the surgeon reviews photos of the ear and any reports, and you then receive a written, itemised quote before you book anything.
Is microtia ear reconstruction in Istanbul safe for children?
Microtia reconstruction in Istanbul can be safe for children when performed by experienced reconstructive surgeons with paediatric anaesthesia support in an accredited hospital. As with any surgery there are risks, including infection, skin breakdown over the framework, Medpor exposure, chest scarring or contour changes after rib harvest, and the need for revision. Your surgeon explains which risks apply to the chosen technique.
How long will we need to stay in Istanbul for each stage?
Families should plan around 10–14 days in Istanbul for each rib cartilage stage and about 10 days for Medpor reconstruction. This includes the consultation, surgery, 1–4 nights in hospital and follow-up checks before flying. Rib cartilage stages are usually at least 6 months apart, so treatment typically spans two or three separate trips.
Is ear reconstruction painful, and how long is recovery?
Ear reconstruction does involve post-operative discomfort, especially at the chest after rib cartilage harvest, but it is managed with prescribed pain relief and usually eases noticeably within the first 1–2 weeks. The ear itself is often less sore. Most children return to school within 2–3 weeks, while contact sports and pressure on the ear are restricted for longer, as the surgeon advises.
When are the results final, and does a reconstructed ear last?
A reconstructed ear usually looks settled several months after the final stage, once swelling has resolved and the skin has adapted to the framework. A rib cartilage ear is living tissue and generally lasts long-term, while a Medpor ear also remains in place long-term but needs protection from trauma. Results vary, and some patients choose minor refinements later.
What is the right age for microtia surgery?
The right age depends on the technique: Medpor reconstruction can be performed from around age 3–6, while rib cartilage reconstruction is usually done from around age 8–10, when the ribs provide enough cartilage. Adults can also have reconstruction at any age. Many families time surgery to support confidence before or during the school years, after discussing the options with the surgeon.
Will ear reconstruction improve my child's hearing?
Outer ear reconstruction improves the shape of the ear but does not, by itself, improve hearing. Many children with microtia also have aural atresia, which affects hearing on that side. Hearing can be supported with bone-conduction hearing devices, and in selected cases ear canal atresia repair is performed separately by an ENT surgeon. We coordinate audiology and ENT assessment as part of planning.
Related procedures
Part of our specialty: Aesthetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
This page provides general information and is not medical advice. Whether a procedure is right for you, which technique is used and what results to expect can only be decided after a consultation with a qualified specialist. All surgery carries risks, which your surgeon will explain before you consent.