Our ears often do not attract much attention when normal in size. However, large, protruding or misshapen ears may be distracting or detract from facial appearance.
Children with prominent or misshapen ears may suffer the ridicule of peers, which may negatively impact self-confidence.
Plastic surgery of the ear, or otoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. While ears are almost fully grown by the age of four, the operation is typically performed after the age of six due to postoperative compliances with wound care. Techniques usually involve a combination of cartilage sculpting and skin excision, as well as precise suture placement in the cartilage to produce the desired shape. The ears must be protected for a month during the healing phase. If the sutures are dislodged by trauma or manipulation during this period, the ear will tend to go back to its previous shape.
An otoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear.