Cosmetic Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty is the surgical procedure to reshape the external ear. It is most often performed for ears that protrude, or stick out much more than normal.
Children are often ridiculed with name calling (i.e. "Dumbo") when their ears protrude significantly more than normal. A relatively simple procedure, otoplasty can often be performed for adults or older children under local anesthesia and mild sedation. Small incisions are made behind the ears to modify the amount the ears protrude.
An otoplasty can be performed in an older person if the ear lobes have been stretched excessively long by wearing heavy earrings. Ear lobe repairs are also performed when earrings pull or tear the ear lobes.