Ear surgery in Mexico City

The procedure

What is ear surgery?

Protruding ears usually happen because the cartilage did not form one of its natural folds, or because the bowl of the ear (the concha) is unusually deep. They do not affect hearing, but they can lead to teasing in childhood and self-consciousness later in life.

Otoplasty sets prominent ears back and, when needed, reduces the size of large ears. The cartilage is reshaped with internal sutures that create or reinforce the natural fold, and part of the concha may be reduced. The incision is typically placed behind the ear, in the crease where it meets the head, so the scar stays hidden.

The goal is not to pin the ears flat, but to make them look proportionate and natural from the front and in profile, with both ears as symmetrical as possible.

Because the cartilage is reshaped and secured in its new position, results are generally permanent. In the first few weeks, though, the cartilage is still vulnerable, so the ears need protection with a compression headband and should not be bumped or folded during sleep. Ears are never perfectly identical by nature, so small differences after surgery are normal.

Who is it for?

Otoplasty is commonly performed on children once the ear has reached close to its adult size, which usually happens in the early school years. Correcting it at that age can spare a child from teasing. It is also an option for teens and adults who never had their ears corrected. Because adult cartilage is firmer, the technique may be adjusted, but the goal and recovery are similar. Otoplasty can also treat asymmetric ears, where only one ear sticks out.

For children, it matters that they want the surgery and can follow aftercare, including wearing a headband. Families traveling to Mexico City should plan for the first follow-up visit before flying home.