Children who have prominent ears are often victims of teasing with cruel nicknames like “dumbo” or “mickey mouse.”  This is often a source of humility and may negatively impact their self-esteem.  These children may benefit from an otoplasty, which is a surgery to reshape prominent or mishappen ears.  This surgery is performed after the age of 5 or 6 years.  At this age the ears are approximately full size and the children have achieved a level of maturation, cooperation and motivation that will help them through the surgery.  Adults with prominent ears who desire a change are excellent candidates for Otoplasty as well.

This procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.  General anesthesia is used for younger children.  A skin incision is created on the back of the ear and the prominent cartilage is reshaped with sutures and will sometimes be trimmed as well.  The skin incision is closed and a dressing is placed.

The dressing is kept in place over the ear for one week.  It is important to wear a headband over the ear at night for a number of weeks to help hold the ear down as the tissues heal into place.