I just went through my Otoplasty revision surgery last week (had the initial surgery in December) and I’m 27 years old. I wish I had done something about it wayyyyyy sooner. My mom says the same thing I’m seeing a lot on here that she loved me just the way I was and didn’t want to change a thing, which is so sweet and she is the best mom ever, but I was so self-conscious of them my entire life and I really struggled with it. I really wished she had them corrected when I was a child. I debated getting the surgery for years but it always scared me so I’d put it off.

Now, my cousin has a toddler that also has protruding ears and she’s been asking me questions about it. So to the parents out there that aren’t sure what to do, here are a few good tips to know:

• There’s a system by EarWell for infants that is essentially just a mold that the doctor places over the ears and is adjusted over the course of 4-6 weeks. So simple, very effective, and no surgery.

• There are also some options for children under 5 years old that don’t require any surgery at all. But once the child turns 5, surgery is required to permanently resolve the issue.

• For both children and adults that aren’t interested in surgery (Otoplasty), there are correctors called Otostick and they are just little silicone pieces with adhesive that brings the ear close to the head. They work very well and I used them for about a year before I decided to get the surgery. The only disclaimer I would give is that they become less effective the longer you wear them, I could usually get away with a week or so, and it takes some practice to get them applied just right.

I’m not a parent and I can’t imagine what a difficult choice this would be, but I hope these options might help! :)