Ears that protrude less from the side of the head and are therefore less prominent, or ears that have normal folds or shape.

The procedure is done under a general anesthesia, so pain is minimal. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be easily relieved by medication.

Small incisions are made behind the ears to expose the ear cartilage. The surgeon will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape.

The incisions are made behind the ears and are therefore are not visible. The faint scar will fade with time.

The ears are normally bandaged with a dressing that wraps around the head for 1 week. A head band is then worn as often as possible for 3 weeks. The ears will take their new normal shape within 6 weeks. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so.

Asymmetry - The ears may not be symmetrical before surgery. Care is taken to make the ears as symmetrical as possible.

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It usually takes about two hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem being resolved. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears.

Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles.