The Mobley Foundation for Charitable Surgery will provide otoplasty surgery (ear-pinning) to low-income school-aged children who are victims of bullying and who otherwise could not afford this operation. Otoplasty is frequently considered a cosmetic operation. However, for many children it can be so much more than just cosmetic. Many studies have shown that children with this condition rate themselves lower in physical appearance, have concentration anxiety, and report significantly more teasing than their peers.

One study found a 91% improvement in quality of life for those children who had undergone otoplasty. The impact of this procedure on someone’s life can be miraculous. Statistics and studies aside, I can speak personally on this issue. I was born with rather prominent ears and was subjected to teasing throughout my grade-school years. After my freshman year in college, I underwent otoplasty and experienced the wonderful self esteem benefits first-hand. My vision is that The Mobley Foundation for Charitable Surgery will make this positive life-change accessible to children who, until now, simply did not have that option in their lives.

How the Mobley Foundation for Charitable Surgery Works:

Prospective patients must meet the following qualifications:

• Be between the ages of 6 and 18
• Have met official state guidelines for low income as defined by having qualified for free or reduced-fee school lunches within the public school system. 
• Documented history of having been bullied or teased because their appearance (verified by teacher, counselor or school administrator)

I perform the surgery at no charge and accept no remuneration for running the foundation. Surgical facility and anesthesia fees still apply, and these are paid for by the foundation.

My Qualifications as an Otoplasty Surgeon:

Clearly, experience matters when choosing a surgeon, and patients want to go to a qualified provider for their surgical care. I am one of only five Facial Plastic Surgeons in our community. I operate only on faces, and this extra sub-specialization is very important to providing excellent surgical care.

I am the only University-based Facial Plastic Surgeon in Utah, and these academic qualifications along with my writings on the subject make me a uniquely qualified specialist in otoplasty. I have published the following scholarly works on the topic of otoplasty and ear surgery:

• Samolitis NJ, Florell SR, Mobley SR, Bowen GM. Use of a conchal bowl flap for repair of the earlobe. Arch Dermatol. 2005. Aug;141(8):947-9.
• Mobley SR, Vartanian JA, Toriumi D. Otoplasty. In Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. 2002. 13(1):29-35.
• Nuara MJ, Mobley SR. Nuances of Otoplasty: A comprehensive review of the past 20 years. In: Auricular Surgery: Aesthetic and Reconstructive. SR Mobley, ed. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2006. 14(2): 89-102.
• Auricular Surgery: Aesthetic and Reconstructive. SR Mobley, Editor. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2006.