The ear should be considered an aesthetic unit comprised of various anatomical details. Deformities of the ears should be compared with a psychological study of the patient and the effect that the surgery brings to their well-being by improving their self-assurance. The most common ear surgery is the correction of protruding ears, which is a congenital deformity that is transmitted by heredity. Cases in which the basic problem is the distancing of the ear from the head may be produced by an increase in the angle between the ear and the cranium, the larger size of the conchal cartilage or due to the absence of the main ear fold known as the antihelix.

Candidates. Generally children 4 years or older who are about to enter grade school, and who are the target of ridicule on the part of their classmates or family members. Some patients are operated on as adolescents or adults when they have not received the timely support of their parents.

Surgery. In children surgery is performed under general anesthesia due to their lack of cooperation, in adults with sedation and local anesthesia. Surgery must correct the cause of the deformation by reshaping the skin and cartilage with appropriate symmetry of both ears. The incision is made in the back of the ear to avoid visible scars and the skin is sutured with very fine thread.

Postoperative care. Following 90 minutes of surgery, a special dressing and soft bandages are placed on the operated area, adults and cooperative children may go home the same day. Generally there is no pain, but analgesics and anti-inflammatories may be administered prophylactically. Parents are instructed to ensure that the child not sleep on his or her ears the first 6 days, and a week later the bandages are removed and in some cases a headband or night bandaging is indicated for two more weeks. Given that the ear is a very delicate tissue, swelling may not subside completely for 2 months, although the results are seen within 10 days.

Before and 4 months after surgery.
Patient with protruding ears: the absent folds are reshaped and folded back toward the head.