Otoplasty — also known as cosmetic ear surgery — is a procedure to change the shape, position or size of the ears. You might choose to have otoplasty if you’re bothered by how far your ears stick out from your head. You might also consider otoplasty if your ear or ears are misshapen due to an injury or birth defect. Otoplasty can be done at any age after the ears have reached their full size — usually after age 5 — through adulthood. If a child is born with prominent ears and certain other ear-shape problems, splinting may successfully correct these issues if started immediately after birth.