Otoplasty (Prominent Ears)

Congenitally prominent ears are a cosmetic deformity that can have a severe emotional and behavioral effect on a child. Otoplasty is a description of surgical procedures designed to give the auricle a more natural and anatomic appearance.

Problem: Prominent ears typically do not affect a child's self-image until the child is older than 5 or 6 years, and surgery for lop ear deformity is best performed before this age. Conversely, adult patients often seek otoplasty to correct a long-standing defect. Before surgery, patients typically style their hair to camouflage their deformity. Postoperatively, patients often feel comfortable enough to wear their hair short or combed back.

Frequency: Five percent of white individuals are affected. Protruding ears are genetic; 59% of affected individuals have a family history, and transmission is in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable penetrance. Since the inner ear develops independently from the auricle, patients with prominent ears generally have normal hearing; however, other congenital deformities (especially of the genitourinary tract) may be present.

Clinical: Prominent ears can be in a myriad of forms, including cup ear, shell ear, bat ear, Machiavellian ear, and lop ear. Many patients attempt to camouflage the deformity with hairstyling.