Prominent ears: why they occur and how they are corrected at each age

A systematic review published in 2026 in JPRAS Open describes two typical features of a prominent ear: an insufficiently folded antihelix and a deeper than usual concha. Either or both make the ear project outwards. Cleveland Clinic notes that it is a feature present very early in life.

According to the same review, it is one of the most common ear differences. There is also an emotional impact: the authors note that it may lower self-esteem, increase social anxiety and make children more vulnerable to teasing.

In newborns, there is an option: ear moulding with splints or systems designed for this purpose. Timing matters: the earlier it begins, the better the ear responds.

A meta-analysis of 14 studies published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found an overall success rate of 93% for non-surgical correction of congenital ear deformities. Results were better when treatment started before 6 weeks of age (96% versus 82%). Prominent ears responded slightly less well than other types of deformity, with 85% success. Complications, such as skin wounds, irritation or rashes, were mild and easy to treat.

If your baby’s ears stand out markedly, discuss it promptly with their paediatrician: the window is short. After that stage, the correction described by SECPRE is otoplasty.

While the ear is still developing, surgery is generally not recommended. In selected cases, otoplasty can be performed safely from age 6 or 7, and each case is assessed individually.

Age is not the only criterion. The child’s own wish also matters. The Sociedad Española de Cirugía Plástica, Reparadora y Estética (SECPRE) notes that most plastic surgeons recommend parents observe their child’s behaviour, and that surgery should not be insisted upon until the child wants it.

Adolescents and adults are also candidates. SECPRE summarises it as follows: there is no defined age for otoplasty, which can be performed in children and adults. The reason for consultation is usually an ear that protrudes or a size that does not fit the rest of the face, and assessment covers general health and medical history.

There is a technical difference from childhood. The JPRAS Open review explains that techniques based only on sutures work better with young, flexible cartilage; in older patients, with firmer cartilage, recurrence is more frequent with these techniques. The same review counts more than 200 described techniques. The technique is therefore selected according to each ear’s anatomy and the desired change.

Otoplasty works on the ear cartilage through an incision behind the ear, concealing the scar in that area as it fades over time. It repositions the protruding ear closer to the head and, when size is the concern, allows reduction of a large ear. SECPRE adds that, even when only one ear looks abnormal, both are operated on most of the time to achieve better symmetry.

Discomfort in the first few days is controlled with medication. Activity is restricted while the area heals, and returning to swimming and contact sports comes later and is gradual. SECPRE describes a bandage around the head at the end of surgery and, afterwards, a lighter one resembling a headband, and advises avoiding activities in which the ears could be bent.

Pain, swelling, temporary numbness and the scar are part of expected recovery. Described complications include haematoma, infection, including infection of the cartilage, loss of symmetry between the ears and the possibility that they may protrude again. These are in addition to the general risks of any surgery. These complications are exceptional and, at the consultation following medical assessment, are explained individually.