Can Ears Actually Be Made Smaller with Plastic Surgery?

"Prominent ear" or "big ear" are general terms that can be confusing when it comes to cosmetic ear surgery discussions. In cases where the problem is that the ears "stick out", meaning the angle form the scalp being too wide, a set back and remolding procedure can be performed which may give the illusion of the ears getting smaller indirectly by just making them less noticeable. In cases of long ear lobes, either born or secondary to age related pull by gravity, there are also multiple techniques to make the lobes smaller with minimally visible scars and keeping them look natural.

The actual size of the ears can be reduced. Their prominence may also be reduced. However, it is important to determine what exactly the issue is, since “large” can refer to the length/width of the ears and/or how much they protrude from the head.

Suture otoplasty is not meant to decrease the size of your ears from top to bottom. Rather, it is designed to restore pleasing architecture to your external ear, and to reposition outstanding ears closer to your head. Thank you. Dr Joseph

It is technically possible to make the ears smaller, but not without some trade-offs of the potential for scarring and deformity. For this reason, it is not something that I usually recommend. 
Most patients are extremely satisfied and do quite well with a traditional otoplasty to set the ears back and often re-shape some of the cartilaginous folds of the ears. Obviously, each patient is unique, so a consultation with a surgeon specializing in facial aesthetics can be very helpful to let them examine you in detail and offer recommendations regarding treatment options.
All the best,

It’s not unusual for patients to
request treatment of “Big Ears.” The vast majority of
these patients have normal sized prominent ears which require setback
otoplasty.  Occasionally, we see
patients who actually do have enlarged ears.  Although setback otoplasty will make these ears appear
smaller this may not be enough and additional surgery may be indicated.

Under these circumstances ear
reduction can be performed.  In
most cases, this involves shortening the vertical dimension of the ear.  This procedure involves removing a full
thickness wedge of ear which shortens the height of the ear.  The procedure is associated with
noticeable scarring which tends to improve with time.  For this reason, the procedure is utilized only when severe
elongation of the ear is present.

If you’re concerned about the size
of your ears consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is
appropriate.  This surgeon should
be able to formulate a plan that’s appropriate for you.