So many classic childhood movies (Dumbo) and sing-a-longs (Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro….) emphasize large and protruding ears. But it turns out that having protruding ears is often one of the most humiliating features for a teenager.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery’s 2008 Procedural Survey, we found that 27.7% of otoplasties (a reshaping of the ear by placing small incision behind the ear then shaping or trimming the cartilage to define how and where the ear cartilage bends) are performed on those ages 13-19. Additionally, the survey found that otoplasty has the youngest mean age of both invasive and less invasive cosmetic procedures at 29.

It is common for adolescents to worry about their appearance and not every adolescent is right for cosmetic surgery. That’s why it is so important for the physician to evaluate the teen’s psychological and physical maturity. The teen must have realistic expectations of what the procedure will do for them and avoid the belief that drastic life changes will occur from the surgery. The physical maturity of the teen is important as well. A teen wishing for an otoplasty is significantly different than one wishing for breast augmentation. An ear reaches its full growth potential by age 6 which is drastically earlier than the breasts. In fact, it is preferred to have an otoplasty at a younger age because the cartilage is extremely flexible, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping and a better result.

To find a qualified cosmetic surgeon for otoplasty, please visit the AACS Surgeon Finder at www.cosmeticsurgery.org