Age is an important factor, as cartilage in young children has adequate strength to hold stitches and yet is mouldable. Adult cartilage tends to be more resistant to moulding, restricting the eventual outcome. Some ears may be corrected with a minimally invasive ear-fold procedure.

Absolute symmetry is rarely achievable and the goal of surgery is improvement and not perfection. Some ear irregularities are not completely correctable.

Surgery is carried out as a day procedure. The turban-like head dressing is maintained for the first twenty-four hours after surgery. After that an exercise headband is worn for a further two weeks. There may be some swelling and bruising around the ears, particularly the back, with some minor discomfort. Simple painkillers will relieve this discomfort. Adults may return to work after approximately forty eight hours, however children are advised to stay off school for about a week to ten days. Any strenuous activity should be avoided for about three weeks and contact sports for six weeks.

Complications include but are not limited to infection and, rarely, bleeding. The scar behind the ear usually fades well, but on rare occasions it can become red and lumpy. Overgrown, unfavourable scars are more common in black or Asian patients. Loss of correction may occur especially if the ears are traumatised before the healing is complete. The ears usually feel numb, sometimes for several weeks to months after surgery and the sensation is exaggerated when exposed to cold. Occasionally corrective revision surgery may be required.