There are two factors which can make an ear look prominent. First of all, there is ear projection or how far the ear sticks out from the head. The further the ear sticks out from the head, the more attention it will draw to itself. The other factor which makes the ears look prominent is the relative size of the ears to the other facial structures and the head. Size is typically measured from the top of the ear to the ear lobe.
In otoplasty, projection and size are addressed by a variety of ear maneuvers to bring the ear closer to the head and actually decrease the surface of the ear depending on the case.
