Skip to main content
PatientFi Monthly Payments Available
Get a quote Contact Us
A man wearing glasses, a white lab coat, blue shirt, and navy tie stands with arms crossed, smiling, against a plain gray background.

Prominent Ear Deformity Correction

About 5 percent of children are born with protruding ears — the most common congenital deformity of the head and neck. Hearing is usually unaffected, but concerns about appearance, and the teasing that can come with it, often lead parents to seek correction. Prominent ear deformity correction, or otoplasty, gently repositions the ears for a more balanced, natural appearance. Dr. Erez Dayan offers this procedure at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV.

Reshaping a child’s ear is delicate, detail-driven work that rewards reconstructive skill and a gentle touch — and Dr. Erez Dayan brings both. Trained on the Harvard face transplant team, where reconstructing the fine cartilage of the ear and face is central, he served as Chief Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital before an elite aesthetic fellowship at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, where he was one of only two surgeons selected. A recipient of the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Achievement Award and a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he is Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute. Prominent ear deformity correction is one of his pediatric facial plastic surgery services.

When Is the Right Time for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty isn’t recommended until the ear has fully formed naturally, which generally occurs around ages six to seven. By this age, the ear has reached close to its adult size, and a child is typically old enough to understand and cooperate with the procedure. Because protruding ears are considered a congenital deformity, otoplasty is generally viewed as a reconstructive surgery and is covered under most insurance policies. The team at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute can help with insurance claims and related steps, and offers payment and financing assistance if the procedure isn’t covered.

“With prominent ears, even a small change in the angle makes a dramatic difference. I wait until the ear is fully grown and the child is ready, then reshape it so it sits naturally — the goal is a result no one would ever guess was surgical.” — Dr. Erez Dayan

Protruding Ear Correction in Reno/Tahoe

Protruding ear correction typically repositions the ears closer to the side of the head for a more balanced appearance. Even a slight reduction in the angle of protrusion can make a significant visual difference. In more severe cases, Dr. Dayan may remove a small amount of cartilage and reshape the remaining structure to create a natural, normal-sized ear. He’ll explain his specific recommendations, the technique, and what to expect during a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prominent Ear Deformity Correction

How common are protruding ears?
About 5 percent of children are born with prominent ears, making it the most common congenital deformity of the head and neck. Hearing is usually unaffected.

What is the right age for otoplasty?
Otoplasty is generally recommended around ages six to seven, once the ear is fully formed and the child is old enough to understand and cooperate with the procedure.

How does otoplasty correct prominent ears?
The procedure repositions the ears closer to the head, and even a slight change in angle makes a noticeable difference. In severe cases, Dr. Dayan reshapes the cartilage to form a natural, normal-sized ear.

Is otoplasty covered by insurance?
Because prominent ears are a congenital deformity, otoplasty is often treated as reconstructive surgery and covered by many insurance policies. The team can help with claims, and financing is available if needed.

Will the correction look natural?
Yes. Dr. Dayan reshapes the ear so it sits naturally against the head, with the goal of a result that doesn’t appear surgical.

Does my child need to be a certain age?
Waiting until the ear is fully grown — around ages six to seven — gives the best, most stable result. Dr. Dayan will confirm your child’s readiness during the consultation.

Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for Prominent Ear Correction

  • Delicate Cartilage Expertise: face transplant team training in fine ear and facial reconstruction
  • Award-Winning Microsurgeon: recipient of the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Achievement Award
  • Natural, Undetectable Results: reshaping that lets the ears sit naturally against the head
  • Insurance and Financing Support: help with claims for this often-covered reconstructive procedure
  • Harvard Chief Resident Training: completed the Harvard Plastic Surgery Program at Massachusetts General Hospital

Schedule a Prominent Ear Correction Consultation in Reno/Tahoe

If your child has prominent or protruding ears, Dr. Erez Dayan can reshape them for a natural, balanced appearance. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV at (775) 800-4444 to schedule a consultation. Virtual consultations are also available for families traveling from out of town.

Gallery

Explore

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0

5.0 stars from 587 reviews