Otoplasty is a recommended procedure for various reasons, including medical conditions like Macrotia (excessively large ears), protruding ears (either one or both ears to varying degrees), Microtia (underdeveloped ears), or when individuals are dissatisfied with the shape and appearance of their ears.

Ear reconstruction, on the other hand, is a surgical intervention aimed at repairing or rebuilding the external part of the ear, known as the auricle or pinna. This surgery can be performed to correct a congenital defect, which is an irregularity of the outer ear present at birth. Additionally, it can also be used to restore an ear that has been affected by cancer surgery or damaged due to trauma, such as a burn.

In the case of children requiring ear reconstruction for a congenital condition, the surgery is typically conducted between the ages of 6 and 10, although it may be possible to perform it at earlier ages in certain circumstances.

Ear reconstruction typically is done to treat the following conditions that affect the outer part of the ear:
1. Underdeveloped ear (microtia)
2. Missing ear (anotia)
3. Part of an ear is buried under the skin on the side of the head (cryptotia)
4. An ear is pointed and has extra folds of skin (Stahl's ear)
5. An ear is folded over itself (constricted ear)
6. Part of an ear was removed or damaged as a result of cancer treatment
7. A burn or other traumatic damage to an ear