protruding ear

Plastic surgery to correct prominent or protruding ears is usually performed on children. Large ears can be the source of gentle teasing or even ridicule. Since ears are fully grown by the age of four, the procedure can be performed any time after that. This procedure is an outpatient procedure during which the ears are pinned back by either removing cartilage from the back of the ear or using permanent stitches to pull the ear closer to the head. Ear surgery can be performed on one or both ears, depending on your needs.

Although most people see marked improvement following surgery, many ears will still not be perfect or match each other. You can expect to be up and moving around just hours after surgery, after anesthesia has worn off. Bandages will be applied to help mold the ears and promote healing. Stitches are removed within a week and you can return to work or school usually within a week. Risks and complication of ear surgery include infection, small blood clots, and sometimes extended pain and discomfort, but these are rare.

Learn more about Ear Surgery from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.