If your ears are too large, uneven, misshapen, or stick straight out from your head, a cosmetic procedure called Otoplasty can be performed anytime after the age of 5. By this time, the ear cartilage is relatively firm and nearly adult size. The procedure is usually well tolerated by young children, and choosing to have the problem corrected early can protect your child from school yard teasing.

On the other hand, if you yourself have suffered years of poor self-esteem because of your ears, otoplasty can give you a whole new image, even in adulthood.

Incisions are placed behind the ear, where they are easily hidden in a natural crease. Dr. Morrow removes excess skin and sculpts the cartilage, reducing the size of the ears and repositioning them closer to the head. Permanent sutures may be placed in the cartilage to secure its new position and create naturally-looking ear folds.

This outpatient procedure commonly takes two hours. Although young children usually receive general anesthesia, adults typically have the procedure performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation (twilight sleep). Some discomfort is common, but easily controlled with mild pain medication. A conforming pressure dressing is maintained for 4 days. Most people return to school or work within 1 week.