The procedure designed to reposition the ears closer to the head is called an otoplasty.The over-protruding ear deformity may prove more emotionally and socially traumatic than loved ones realize. Often, people with protruding ears endure ridicule and mockery while maintaining their own silence resulting in traumatic degradation of their own self-esteem. Males are particularly at risk due to their typically short hair style, however, females may be inhibited as they mature since many mature hairstyles accentuate the protruding ear. Consequently, otoplasty frequently results in visual as well as deep psychological satisfaction. 
 

Before Otoplasty

After Otoplasty

A child's ear reaches 90 percent of its final adult size by age 5 or 6. Otoplasty is best performed just before or around school age so the child is spared years of teasing and ridicule by classmates. However, the procedure can be completed at any age. In fact, the patient who has tolerated years of comments and hiding their ears are the most satisfied with the results. Otoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in the child and twilight anesthesia in the adult. 

After Surgery 

The night following surgery, a turban-like dressing is worn to protect the ears, and is removed the following day. Patients may return to school or work in three to four days wearing some type of head band over their ears for two to three weeks. The thin scar produced by the surgery is naturally hidden in the crease behind the ears. The results of otoplasty are frequently very satisfying and long lasting.