I like to put the ears very close to the head during an otoplasty.  In the months after surgery, the ears will creep out a little away from the head, and we can't predict the final position of the ears exactly.  Since their final position will either be a little too close to the head than ideal, or a little to far away, I prefer that they be too close.  Besides, nobody ever notices ears that are too close to the head: the ears only attract attention if they stick out too far.