Surgery for prominent ears is a good operation for both children and adults. At a young age, children may be teased for having “prominent” or “mouse” ears. A successful surgery can give a great confidence boost to the developing child. An incision is made behind the ear, hidden in the crease. Next, the cartilage is exposed from behind and sutures are placed to increase the bend in the ear, bringing them closer to the head. The bowl of the ear may also be decreased and weakened which helps keep the ears closer to the head post operatively.

Good candidates include children and adult who are bothered by the shape of their ear and for those who feel like their ears stick out too much.

The post operative course and instructions will depend on your surgeon, but often patient are instructed to wear a headband, which keeps the ears close to the head while they heal, for approximately 1 week full time. Then patients are transitioned to a part time headband for another 2-4 weeks.

Complications include possibility of infection, bleeding, exposure of the suture, and recurrence of the prominent shape. Fortunately, these potential complications are uncommon.