Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. My little boy who is 5 is constantly being picked on by his friends because of how his ears stick out - is there a surgery that can fix this?

A. Yes!

"Otoplasty" reduces the projection of the ears; most patients, both young and old alike, are thrilled with the results!

With regards to your son, it is important for you, and other parents reading this column, to bear in mind that the desire for this change should come directly from the child, and not be your idea or desire.

Ears usually reach their adult size by the age of 4 or 5; therefore, it is usually recommended that children have this simple surgery before kindergarten in order to avoid unnecessary and sometimes cruel treatment by their peers. If, however, your son has already started school, then over his summer vacation would be the perfect time.

Another consideration, for both children and adults, is the necessity to wear a "head-band" over the ears, day and night, for the first six weeks following surgery. After the initial six weeks, then you'd wear the head-band while sleeping for the next six months.

For adults, the surgery can be done with local anesthetic, either with or without supplemental IV sedation; for children, a general anesthesia is necessary. The incisions are placed on the back of the ears and are nicely hidden from view. Too much cartilage is the cause for ears to project too far away from the head; so, a portion of the cartilage is removed.

Read more about this procedure.