External ear surgery, also known as "Otoplasty" is performed for congenital anomalies of the external ear, the most common of which is the prominent or "Bat" ear. Every year many children undergo this operation to decrease the prominence of the ears, generally complaining of having been teased at school by other children. A number of adults also undergo this operations stating that they are unable to wear their hair back due to the prominence of their ears.Other operations to correct the shape of the ears are also done along with surgery for the lobule usually for "split earlobes'.Otoplasty may be performed under General or local anaesthesia (depending on the age and patient preference).The operation generally takes about an hour and involves an incision behind the ear. The cartilage framework of the ear is thus exposed and after surgical altering the shape, the skin is again redraped over it. A head bandage is usually worn for two weeks, to maintain the new shape and prevent haematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation.The stitches are removed after two weeks and once the wound has fully healed it leaves a well hidden scar. Initially after the surgery, the ear remains slightly swollen and bruised for a week or two,but settles down to give a very natural looking result.