Protruding ears are very noticeable on a child and often a source of teasing and ridicule from other children. While this trait is common and usually genetic, many people with prominent ears are self-conscious of their appearance from childhood into their adult years. If your child has protruding ears that may cause them hardship, consider pediatric plastic surgery to reshape their ears. Dr. Munique Maia at Maia Plastic Surgery offers pediatric prominent ear deformity correction at our clinic in Tysons Corner near Washington, DC.

Protruding or prominent ears can stick out from the head farther than what seems “normal.” It is usually only a few millimeters of extra protrusion, but that small difference impacts the balance of the ears with the head and the rest of the facial features. Children with protruding ears are often teased and may suffer from confidence issues about their appearance. Many parents choose otoplasty or ear pinning surgery performed to correct this issue before their child begins school.

Pediatric Otoplasty or Ear Pinning

Once the ears are fully formed, otoplasty, or ear pinning, can be performed. This is usually around age five or six. Otoplasty can bring the ears closer to the head to create a better balance with the face and other features. Some ear pinning procedures can be performed with only local anesthesia. If ear reshaping or resizing is needed for a prominent ear deformity, general anesthesia may be required for plastic surgery.

Prominent ear deformities can affect a child’s appearance and self-confidence. If you want to explore protruding ear correction or ear plastic surgery for your child, contact us at Maia Plastic Surgery in Tysons Corner, VA today, to schedule your appointment. Dr. Maia is a fellowship-trained and highly respected plastic surgeon with many years of plastic and reconstructive surgery experience.