Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.
For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

Most cosmetic ear surgery patients are children between the ages of four and fourteen. The ears are fully grown by age four, and the sooner a child undergoes otoplasty, the less teasing and embarrassment he or she will experience growing up.
Ear plastic surgery is also an excellent option for adults who suffer from large, protruding ears or stretched earlobes. Adults of all ages are generally excellent candidates for otoplasty surgery.

RISKS
Cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty), like any other plastic surgery procedure, involves risks; however, with otoplasty, complications are usually minimal. The risks or complications associated with both reconstructive and cosmetic ear surgery include:

Duration of Operation:
1-2 hours

RECOVERY
Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off. The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.
Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night.
Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.
Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.

RESULTS
Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfectly-perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you've discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are, you'll be quite pleased with the result.