Otoplasty for prominent ears.

Protruding ears may be a source of psychological distress in either sex and at any age. A truly gratifying psychological response to a well performed otoplasty is the rule. If the neonate with protruding ears, mildly constricted ears, Stahl's ear, or cryptotia is seen by a plastic surgeon during the baby's first days of life, the timing is auspicious. If the process of shaping the ear with molding splints and Steri-Strips is promptly initiated, correction of the problem without surgery is a realistic expectation. The urgency and the effectiveness of early nonsurgical treatment of such ears is not yet widely appreciated by those responsible for primary medical care of neonates. The plastic surgeon is in a position to increase awareness of the availability and effectiveness of this technique.