# Ear shaping

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_shaping
> Source revision: 1348310893
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Short description|Modification of the shape of the ear}}
'''Ear shaping''' is a form of [body modification](/source/body_modification) involving altering the shape of the [ear](/source/ear). Ear shaping can be achieved through the medical procedure [otoplasty](/source/otoplasty), and is also performed by body modification artists.

==Types==
===Amputation===

In this form of ear shaping, the [lobe](/source/earlobe) or other portions of the ear are [amputated](/source/amputation) to give the desired look. This may also be undertaken to remove [stretched](/source/Stretching_(body_piercing)) portions that are no longer wanted. [Suture](/source/Surgical_suture)s or [cauterizing](/source/cauterizing) may be required.{{cn|date=February 2022}}

===Cropping===

Ear [cropping](/source/cropping_(animal)) is commonly performed on animals, for both cosmetic and other reasons, but rarely on humans.  In humans, cropping usually involves the removal of part of the upper ear with a [scalpel](/source/scalpel).  Suturing or cauterizing may be required.

===Pointing===

Ear pointing or "elfing" by various methods is undertaken to give them an appearance similar to that of [elves](/source/Elf) or [Vulcans](/source/Vulcan_(Star_Trek)).  A common method is to remove a small wedge-shaped portion at the top of the ear, and then suture the two edges. The development of this procedure is generally credited to [Steve Haworth](/source/Steve_Haworth).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Ear_Pointing |title=Ear Pointing - BMEzine Encyclopedia |access-date=2011-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922212401/http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Ear_Pointing |archive-date=2012-09-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Originally the shape was achieved by folding and trimming the client's helix and sutured together to achieve a pointed look. But a new procedure has been developed by Samppa Von Cyborg, which gives the pointed ears a far more natural look.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.bme.com/2005/08/17/alternate-ear-pointing-methods/|title=Alternate ear pointing methods|first=Shannon|last=Larratt}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Category:Body modification
Category:Ear surgery

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Ear shaping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_shaping) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_shaping?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.