Some ear corrections are possible right after birth while others may have to be treated as one progress into adulthood. Local anaesthesia is used to perform surgery in adults while in kids it is usually carried out under general anaesthesia.

During the procedure, incisions can be made towards the back of the ears and inside the inner creases of the ears. The type of correction needed usually determines the incisions that have to be made. After making the incisions, the doctor removes any excess skin and cartilage. After that, the cartilage is folded into a proper position before securing it through internal stitches. Incisions are then closed with additional stitches. The scar that results from the surgery is usually behind the ear and are not obvious or easily noticed. It also fades away over time.

Proper recovery may take up to six weeks but one can return to work or school within one week of the procedure. They can start regular activity inside first few weeks of the surgery.