This operation is done to correct protruding ears. It is one of the few cosmetic operations performed on children. Although the operation is done on both men and women, it has great appeal for men, because many of them wear their hair short and cannot conceal the ear deformity. The method of surgery is to weaken the cartilage of the ear so that it bends into its new shape. At the same time stitches are placed in the cartilage to hold the ear in position until the new shape has formed. The incision is placed in the natural creases behind the ear. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can choose. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.