One ear protrudes; do you recommend otoplasty on both ears?

Question: My husband, age 25, has one ear that protrudes out extremely.  The left ear protrudes somewhat, but not nearly as noticeable as the right.  Do you recommend otoplasty on both ears, or will you match the right ear to the left ear alignment?

Answer: Depending on how much the ears protrude; the procedure often may only need to be performed on the one ear. However, if the other ear is also protruding abnormally, in order to balance the ears correctly the other ear will need to be operated on so that it is in the same position as the first ear.  In general, when I operate, I try to place both ears in perfect alignment which usually means operating on both ears.  However, in some patients where one ear is perfectly aligned then surgery only needs to be done on one ear.