Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. While ear surgery for adults is common, the operation is usually done on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age 4, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient. Occasionally this may be covered by insurance but generally it is considered a cosmetic procedure.

Most people experience temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness and numbness. You may return to work or school in 5-7 days depending on how well you heal. You may return to normal physical activities in 1-2 months.