Although prominent ears are the most common congenital deformity in the head and region, only approximately 8 percent of patients who present for treatment will have some family history of the abnormality.

Prominent ears bring a set of structural changes in the organ modifying their position and esthetic aspect. These have been summarized as (1) absence of an adequate antihelical fold; (2) presence of a large deep conchal bowl; (3) inadequate definition of the helical rim; (4) abnormalities of the lobule. These are the most frequent ear deformities responsible for serious psychological impacts, mainly during childhood. Postponing treatment may modify the personality and the psychic structure of children and this is why we recommend the corrective surgery is made before starting school (between 5 to 7 years old), period in which the ears are totally formed and have almost reached the size they will have in adulthood; besides that, at such period, psychological problems have not yet started.

There are no complications when making the surgery during adulthood.

The scar left in surgeries of this type is imperceptible as it is located behind the ears in the sulcus formed by the skull. Besides that, as the skin in this area is very thin, the scar tends to “almost disappear”.

General anesthesia was used with pediatric patients and for adults local anesthesia plus sedation is normally enough; patients stay in for up to 24 hours. The patient leaves the practice wearing an elastic bandage held in place by a woven net dressing to avoid local traumatism. Bandages are removed within a week when the result is seen which will be even greater after the swelling progressively diminishes within four months.

Such surgery offers great satisfaction as it does not only correct the disorders of the ears but gives rise to an adequate social relationship.

The goal of surgery for prominent ears is to produce symmetrical, natural looking ears, with no obvious signs of surgery having been performed.