Otoplasty (ear surgery)

Probably no other physical characteristic cries out for facial plastic surgery more that protuding ears.  Children, long the victims of cruel nicknames like "Dumbo" or "Mickey Mouse," are the most likely candidates for otoplasty, but this surgery can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full sice, usually around five to six years of age.  Even if the ears are only mildly distorted, the condition can lead to self-consciousness ad poor adapation to school.  When it come to otoplasty, conventional wisdom is the earlier the better once the cartliages are ready.