Otoplasty is the term used to describe surgery to improve the shape of ears. It is a common procedure performed in both children and adults.
In children, otoplasty is usually for prominent ears that not only require reduction and pinning back but also reshaping of features that are distorted or absent from birth. In adults, otoplasty is often performed for individuals who regret not having had the procedure in their childhood as well as for acquired disorders such as trauma in later life.
The incision for otoplasty is hidden behind the ear in the groove between the ear and scalp. My technique for reshaping the ear is a combination of weakening the abnormal memory in the cartilage of the ear by abrasion (rather than cutting which is potentially more destructive) and stabilising the new desired appearance with sutures. I tend to avoid cartilage destruction techniques so that the newly shaped ear has smooth contours like a normal, natural ear.