WHAT IT DOES: The procedure will result in better-shaped ears.

BEST CANDIDATES: The condition is usually more prevalent in children, but can occur in adults.

LENGTH OF SURGERY: One to two hours.

RECOVERY: Complete recovery over 8 weeks, with the patient required to wear an elastic head bandage, that will compress the surgical area against the skull for the first ten days.

BACK TO WORK: Three to four days.

COST: $2,160 - $3,600 (plus $500 fee for Anesthesia)

This condition often is more prevalent in young children and can be psychologically debilitating when other children mock or verbally chastise those who are afflicted. It can also occur in those adults who did not have the minor surgical procedure performed when they were young.

Dr. Giunta will correct this condition by making incisions behind the ears and reshaping or excising cartilaginous tissue that forces the ear forward and away from the head. After the surgery, he will bind the area with an elastic bandage to hold the ears close to the skull. Generally, there is little discomfort and it can be controlled by pain medications and/or cold compresses. Adults generally are able to return to normal activities within a day, and children might need two to three days to recover from the surgery. Dressings are usually removed within a week and there is little if any scarring, which, if evident, is confined to the creases behind the ear.