Surgical corrections for ears that appear normal but are prominent are the most common otoplasty procedures. Correction surgeries for this type of ear yield highly satisfactory results for both the patient and their family, as well as the surgeon. The complexity of the methods used increases proportionally with the severity of the ear deformity.

The exact cause of ear deformities is unknown. Some sources suggest it stems from missing or incorrectly positioned muscles around the ear. Some newborns have excessively soft and flexible ears. If these children have a significant ear problem and are placed on their side, the ears fold more towards the cheek instead of turning back towards the head, and this worsens the prominent ear problem over the years.

During the examination of patients, the overall appearance and size of the ear, along with the upper, middle, and lower regions, should be evaluated separately. In this evaluation, the relationships and angulations between the folds and characteristic structures that make up the ear are revealed, considering a normal ear anatomy. The lower region of the ear ends at the earlobe, called the lobule. Although the prominence in this area may not be immediately noticeable, it may become more apparent when other areas are corrected. Any asymmetry is noted. In cases of asymmetry, it is preferable to operate on both ears rather than performing a unilateral procedure to make one ear resemble the other.

The degree of ear deformity or prominence is a factor that determines the timing of surgical correction. In children with very prominent ears and whose families desire early correction, surgery can be performed as early as age 4. However, in ear development problems requiring the complete reconstruction of the outer ear, it is beneficial to postpone the surgery until age 10. Performing surgery on children with prominent ears in the preschool years is important to prevent them from being ridiculed at school. Ear correction surgery does not negatively affect ear development in children. Furthermore, the success rates are the same in corrections performed at any age in adulthood. While general anesthesia is preferred in children, local or general anesthesia can be chosen in adults depending on preference.

Since the surgical incision is made in the hollow behind the ear, the scar is very well concealed. Transparent, permanent sutures are placed between the cartilage structures and between the cartilage and the skull bone using various techniques, restoring the relationships between the ear folds and the angles the ear makes with the head to conform to normal anatomy. Depending on the degree of the ear deformity, some cartilage is removed, and the earlobe is corrected. After the skin is repaired with absorbable sutures, the ears are bandaged with soft, moist dressings. On the fifth day, the bandages are removed, and the patient is given a loose headband to wear for 4-6 weeks.