Protruding Ears Are Usually A Family Trait That Surgery Can Fix

Just as it is with all facial features, the size and shape of the ears are a family trait. For example, parents and grandparents with protruding ears, often have children with ears that share these same characteristics. Ear deformities can benefit from correction through surgery, and successful results can be seen in subjects as young as 4 years old. By this age, the ears have almost reached maturity and adult size, so very little change is expected after the age of 4.

During an ear surgery procedure, the plastic surgeon repositions the flexible ear cartilage. The incisions required for this procedure are usually placed behind the ear where any resulting scars will be the least visible. While there are several variations in techniques for ear surgery, the goal of the ear surgery procedure is the same in all cases - to provide a normal, more balanced appearance to the ears.