Cosmetic ear surgery is usually performed on young children, but can also be performed on adults without increased risk 

Cosmetic ear surgery, technically called otoplasty, is generally used to reduce the size of large ears, or to set prominent ears closer to the head.

This surgery is generally done on children between the ages of 4 and 16, since the ears are practically fully grown by the age of 4. It is advantageous to get this surgery at an earlier age to prevent ridicule. However, parents must not urge their children to get surgery, but wait for the child to express negative feelings about his or her own appearance.

There are also other conditions that may be helped with an ear surgery. These include lop ears, cupped ears, stretched earlobes or earlobes with wrinkles and creases. Artificial ears may also be added if a patient was born without ears or lost them in an accident.



Otoplasties usually last for a few hours. Surgeons prefer to use local anesthesia combined with a sedative on older patients. With younger patients, general anesthesia may be used to let the child sleep though the surgery. The most common type of procedure involves an incision in the back of the ear, exposing the cartilage. The ear is sculpted and bent toward the back.

Depending on the specific situation, a piece of cartilage may be removed to ensure a more aesthetically-pleasing fold when the surgery is done. At times, non-removal stitches are used to help secure the new shape. Even if only one ear requires surgery, surgeons usually choose to operate on both ears to achieve a better symmetry.



Some patients develop an infection at the site of the incision. These are usually treated with antibiotics, but may require additional surgery.



Cosmetic ear surgery cost is usually around $2500.



It’s important to come in with realistic expectations before the surgery, to avoid disappointments. An ear surgery will not change your life, but will only help you (or your child) to look better.