Otoplasty completes the ear's development by reshaping the cartilage into more normal folds and convolutions. The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear to be able to either trim cartilage or suture it in order to shape the external ear more pleasingly. The incisions are then sutured and the ears are covered with soft surgical dressings for a week. A `headband' may then be recommended to protect the ears for several weeks to be worn day and night and then only at night for up to six weeks