Anyone who has protruding ears has experienced self-consciousness and possibly even ridicule or teasing about this problem as a child. The ideal time for surgery is just before school starts, at age five, when most of the ear development has already occurred. However, many patients make it into adulthood before having it corrected.

What causes the ears to stand out?

The ears stand out because their development in the uterus was not finished. The last step of the ears folding back did not happen. Fortunately, plastic surgical correction is very effective.

Is ear cosmetic surgery (Otoplasty) difficult?

It is not an easy procedure. It takes experience and finesse on the part of the surgeon to avoid telltale signs of surgery or over-correcting the ears so that they look like they are "stuck to the sides of the head." The incision is hidden in the crease behind the ear. The surgery is not painful and, in experienced hands, the complication rate is low.