Like facial features, the ears are equally visible, and any deviation from normal appearance can be a major cause of concern and a source of embarrassment. In the case of prominent ears, they are usually recognized early in an individual's life, and many times the condition is surgically corrected in childhood when the ear cartilage is more pliable and easier to shape. However, adult patients have received excellent results from surgical intervention, often in conjunction with procedures to improve other facial features. The most important prerequisite is good general health and a clear understanding on the adult patient's part of what can be realistically achieved.

Perfect symmetry of both ears is not present before the surgery and won't be after. Some variation is normal and this should be discussed with your surgeon beforehand. What your surgeon can achieve is a more esthetic or natural appearing ear(s) or ear prominence more in proportion to other features. The benefits to self esteem and self assurance cannot be underestimated. The ideal timing of otoplasty is about four and a half years of age when the ear growth is about complete and before the child begins school.

The first meeting with your surgeon is the time to cover all concerns and to learn what results can be expected. After a thorough medical examination, he or she will evaluate the condition and discuss the possibilities for correcting it. Once a decision for surgery is made, the procedure to be used and related issues will be discussed. General anesthesia may be suggested for young patients. Local anesthesia plus a mild sedative is usedfor adults. Otoplasty is normally an outpatient procedure and usually requires about one and a half to two hours, depending on the amount of correction required. Of course, any surgical procedure entails some risk; however otoplasty is generally a safe procedure, even for young children.