Correcting protruding ears can lead to greater self-esteem with relative ease. Adults often decide to combine this surgery with other facial plastic surgery options. Ears can be “pinned back,” reshaped, reduced in size and made more symmetrical.

Otoplasty

An incision is made right behind the ears in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The surgeon removes the necessary amount of cartilage and skin. Sometimes the cartilage is trimmed and reshaped and then pinned back with sutures. In some instances, the cartilage is not removed at all. Instead, sutures are used to keep it permanently in place.

Microtia

This is a common birth defect, usually affecting one ear, but sometimes both. Patients with microtia do not have a normal outer ear. There is a nub or small nodule instead of a fully-formed ear. Correcting this condition requires about four reconstructive surgeries in a year. The new ear is grafted from human skin and a small section of a rib. Patients not only look better, but many report an improvement in their hearing, as well.