Cosmetic ear surgery is performed to move disproportionately large or prominent ears closer to the head.

Cosmetic ear surgery is called otoplasty. Thousands of these surgeries are performed successfully each year. The surgery may be done in the surgeon's office, in an outpatient clinic, or in a hospital. It may be done under a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the ears, or under a general anesthetic, which will cause sleep through the entire operation. The procedure usually lasts about 2 hours.

During the most common method, a surgeon makes a cut in the back of the ear and removes skin to see the ear cartilage. The cartilage is folded. This reshapes the ear, bringing it closer to the head. Sometimes the cartilage is cut before folding it. Stitches are used to close the wound.

The procedure can be done after age 5 or 6,  when ear growth is almost complete. However, if disfigurement is severe (lop ears), a child should have surgery early to avoid possible emotional stress when going to school.

Postoperative complications such as blood clots and infection are uncommon. A second operation may become necessary if the ear occasionally sticks out again.

The ears are covered with a bulky bandage after surgery. There is some tenderness and discomfort that is easily controlled by medication. If the surgery is done in a hospital, the child usually goes home that day, or the next.

The ear bandages are removed after 2 to 4 days, but the child will need to wear a light head wrap for 2 to 3 weeks to promote healing. Scars are very light and located in the creases behind the ears. The decision on when to return to school or work and normal activities depends on how fast the child heals.