Patients with large or prominent ears may benefit from ear reshaping surgery or otoplasty.
Important considerations include previous surgery and type of deformity/deformities present.
Common problems include over-development of the conchal bowl cartilage (so-called "cup ear" deformity) and failure of anti-helical fold development (so-called "lop ear" deformity). These conditions frequently coexist.
The ideal age for otoplasty is age 5 - 6 when the ear is fully developed and just before the child enters school. This minimizes the potential for teasing. The surgery can be performed any time after the ear is fully developed, however.