Otoplasty, the correction of protruding ears, is a commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure. Although few and rare, otoplasty has associated risks and complications. Most of these complications can be minimized by appropriate patient selection, careful preoperative analysis and planning, meticulous surgical technique, and compliant postoperative care. The surgeon must be familiar with the possible complications to avoid or prevent them. The astute surgeon must also be able to recognize and confidently treat adverse outcomes as they occur to minimize long-term sequelae.