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Otoplasty is a general term for cosmetic surgery of the ears, but more specifically for a procedure that pins the ears closer to head when they unpleasantly “stick out.” Many people experience this condition. In childhood ears that “stick out” can be psychologically traumatic for the individual, specifically through grades 1-5 as other children “tease” the child incessantly. By age 6 the ears have grown almost to adult size and surgery to improve the situation can be performed at this time.
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The most common reason to for “big ears” is excess cartilage tissue. During the operation this cartilage tissue is removed or modified in order to make the ears appear smaller and closer to the head. In childhood, cartilage is more easily shaped than in adulthood. In adults the operation is carried out in a similar manner, but the cartilage is usually stiffer and has more of a tendency to return to its original state after surgery. Adult patients need to understand and accept these facts.
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