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Otoplasty cosmetic surgery to change the appearance of a person's external ears. Otoplasty Ear Surgery can take many forms that can range from the cosmetic surgery changes of bringing over-projecting ears closer to the head, reducing the size of very big ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage. Other reconstructive procedures deal with the deformed, or abscent-microtic ears. Otoplasty surgery involves a combination of moving, reshaping, adding, or removing structural ear elements.

The external ear is made of a thin structural cartilage cover over with thin skin. Each of the various folds and structures of the pinna (external ear) is named. Ear deformity results from distorted, damaged, or missing ear elements. Otoplasty ear surgery options depend on the deformity.

Ears that stick out can cause a great deal of emotional distress, social stress. Protruding ears can result from a underdeveloped anti-helix (the major crease that folds the ear back), a concha bowl that does not lie back close to the head, or enlarged ear elements. Some cultures consider long or protruding ears lucky and predictors of long life.

Otoplasty was first developed by Sushruta, a physician often regarded as the "father of surgery". He lived in ancient India circa 600 BC, which he first described in his text Susrutha Samhita. He and his later students and disciples used otoplasty to reconstruct ears that were amputated as a punishment for crimes. The techniques of otoplasty he developed form the basis of surgical procedures that are practiced to this day. This knowledge of plastic surgery existed in India up to the late 18th century.

Otoplasty anesthesia options depend on the problem to be treated and ability of the patient to cooperate and can include local anesthesia alone, local anesthesia with sedation, and under general anesthesia (which is generally the case for children). Most otoplasty surgery is performed as a outpatient surgery, some requires a hospital stay. The procedure can take 2 hours, depending on the problem.

Cartilage is fickle material and has a mind of its own. Damaging one side releases structural forces permitting the shape to evolve over time. Injuring one side of the cartilage along an inadequate anti-helical fold may be one element of the surgery. "Incisionless Otoplasty," is when a needle is used to relax the cartilage and pin-back the ears. No incisons are needed and no head bandages are used after the operation.

For many ear operations, one or more incisions give access to the structures to be sculpted. The main, and often only incision, is behind the ear. Other possible incisions depend on what needs to be done. Through the incision behind the ear, the concha bowl can be moved closer to the head, a small tunnel created along the front of a poorly folded antihelix to weaken this cartilage, sutures placed to reshape the anti-helix fold, and to balance the ear lobe with the rest of the ear.

Ear reduction otoplasty may involve reducing one or more components of the ear. Incisions are typically hidden near folds in the front when a part of this surgery.

Addressing Microtia (small ear deformity) or Anotia (missing ear deformity) involve augmentation or adding elements to replace deformed or missing structures. Cartilage from the ear or rib are the most common for these more extensive reconstructions. Other ear problems like a Satyr Deformity (pointed, elf, or Spock ear) and Cup Ear Deformity involve a variable set of moving, adding, and weakening structures as part of otoplasty correction.

Internal sutures often are permanent. The wound(s) are then closed with either dissolvable sutures or ones that need to be remove by your doctor in about a week.

A bulky ear dressing protects the ear after surgery.