Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery used to reshape the external ear. Otoplasty candidates opt for the surgery in the attempt to correct many different ear abnormalities including ears that flare out from the skull, over sized, asymmetrical, deformed or damaged ears, as well as microtic and absent organs. Otoplasty does not alter a person's ability to hear; it is primarily preformed because the patient is dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears.

Ear reshaping surgery is often preformed because these organs tend to flare out from the head. This is due to an enlarged concha bowl which causes the organ to be overly prominent. This surgery is often referred to as ear pinning because following the surgery they appear to have been pinned back to the head. In reality, the surgeon makes an incision behind the organ and removes a small wedge of cartilage from the concha. The result is less prominent ears.

When someone feels they have over sized ears it is usually because they lack appropriate folding along the antihelix (the outer rim of the ear). The surgeon is able to reshape the antihelix by making precise and predetermined scratches on the front surface of the organ. These scratches weaken the cartilage allowing the surgeon to fold and reshape it appropriately through an incision made in the back.

This method generally does not require permanent sutures. In some cases of over sized ears, surgeons will remove cartilage. This is mostly done through an incision behind the organ but sometimes it may be necessary for the surgeon to make incision on the front surface. When this is necessary, the surgeon will make the cuts within the folds so that scars will be hidden and appear minimal.

In the case of damaged organs or those that have been deformed or absent from birth, a combination of these methods may be used. Building up of the cartilage may also be necessary. This is done by removing material from another area of the body and incorporating it into the new organ. Small pieces used in ear shaping surgery are most commonly taken from the ribs or the other ear.

These types of otoplasty are extensive and only be preformed by qualified and experienced plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, or ENT's. The results generally favorable, but perfection should not be expected. It is very difficult to reshape a highly deformed or damaged ear, and even more difficult to create a new one and have it look natural and normal. But the results are generally preferred to the preexisting condition.

When trying to correct uneven or unbalanced ears, otoplasty can be effective. But is important to remember that slight asymmetry is normal and that perfection should not be expected from surgery. Rarely are both ears seen at the same time and so otoplasty should only be performed when the imbalance is severe.

Otoplasty is generally preformed on children ages 5-14. Most ears are fully grown by age five. Adults may have the surgery done with minimal risks, however optimal results are achieved when the patient is young and the cartilage is still extremely pliable. Another benefit of having the procedure at a young age is that children may avoid more of the teasing and name calling that often accompany prominent or deformed ears.