Otoplasty is commonly performed in an outpatient surgical facility and takes approximately 1-2 hours. An incision is made just behind the ear, in the natural skin fold where the ear is joined to the head. Cartilage may be sculpted and bent back toward the head with non-removable sutures used to help maintain the new shape, or cartilage may be removed to create a natural-looking ear fold. Incisions are usually made behind the ear or within the ear creases.