Is cosmetic surgery—such as ear reduction—forbidden in Islam, even if it causes embarrassment to the person, or if it does not cause significant embarrassment?

Cosmetic surgeries are divided into permissible and impermissible categories. Permissible surgeries are those performed to remove a disfiguring defect or a severe congenital malformation. Impermissible surgeries are those performed to enhance beauty and not to remove a defect.

If one's ears are in a very disfiguring state that causes them psychological distress, then there is no blame upon them for removing that defect. However, it is better for them to be patient and seek reward from Allah, based on the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) saying: "All of Allah's creation is beautiful."

As for someone whose condition does not reach the level of disfigurement or malformation, it is not permissible for them to reduce the size of their ears or any other of their body parts.