Ear pinning, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure used to move protruding ears closer to the head. The ears are repositioned by reshaping the cartilage (supporting tissue). This is usually accomplished through incisions placed behind the ears so that subsequent scars will be concealed in a natural skin crease.

 

Ear pinning can be performed on children as early as age five or six. Correction of the ears prior to the child entering school helps eliminate potential psychological trauma from the teasing of classmates. Adults may also have their ears reshaped, and there is no upper age limit for this surgery.