Facial and Functional Plastic Surgery

Otoplasty: correction of prominent ears

Precise surgical correction to harmonize the projection of the ears, with natural results and no artificial appearance.

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct the excessive shape or projection of the ears when they protrude conspicuously from the skull.

It is not a matter of “gluing” them together, but of reconstruct the natural architecture of cartilage so that the ears blend in harmoniously with the face and go unnoticed.

The objective is to normality, not prominence.

What does it usually include?

The surgical plan is defined according to your anatomy and may include:

Formation of the antihelix fold when absent or poorly defined
Correction of excess shell, which pushes the ear outward
Lobe adjustment, if it also presents projection

The exact extent is defined in medical evaluation. Not all ears require the same.

Who is it for?

It could be for you if:

- Social awkwardness - Avoiding updos, short hair or profile pictures
- Marked projection - You feel that you “see ears first” on the face.
- Obvious asymmetry - one side projects more or has a different shape
- Sober goal - You want to look normal, not a “perfect” ear.”

Alternatives should be evaluated if...

Millimeter expectation - You are looking for mathematical symmetry (does not exist in the real body).
Zero care - Cannot follow bandage/bandage directions in recovery
Different priority - Your main discomfort is not the ear, but another area of the face.

Otoplasty assessment: how we define your plan

The assessment is the key step: diagnosis, scope and next steps are defined here.

Objective and priorities

What makes you uncomfortable and what change would be proportionate in your case?

Shape analysis

Folds, projection and differences between both sides

Fabric quality

Skin, cartilage and what can influence scarring

Recommended range

What to adjust and what to keep for naturalness

Surgical plan and logistics

Venue, anesthesia and control schedule

“A clear plan, with aligned expectations, defined next steps and space to resolve doubts.”

The procedure, explained in simple terms

What is done - Shape and position is adjusted to reduce projection and improve contouring.
Incision - Planned to be hidden behind the ear, as appropriate.
Fixation - Internal support is given to maintain the new shape during healing.
Where it is performed - In the hospital operating room for control and safety
What is decided at appraisal - Scope per side, need for additional adjustments and follow-up plan

Preparation (before surgery)

Recovery and follow-up

First days - Inflammation and sensitivity; priority is given to rest and protection.
First check-up - bandage adjustments and progress control, according to your plan.
Subsequent weeks - Shape gradually settles; tracking reduces uncertainty
Return to routine - Defined by your evolution and the type of activities you perform.

The medical follow-up allows to adjust care and resolve doubts as the patient's evolution progresses.

Risks and considerations

Every surgery has risks. The relevant ones are explained on a case-by-case basis, with prevention measures and follow-up plan.

Hematoma - Swelling with pain and tension requiring immediate assessment.
Variable scarring - Evolution depends on your skin and skin care
Temporary changes in sensation - There may be numbness that improves with time.
Slight asymmetries - Subtle differences due to previous anatomy and scarring
Relapse - In some cases there may be a tendency to partially regress and require adjustment.

These points are explained individually during the appraisal.

Medical Philosophy

Medical tourism in Puerto Vallarta + coordination

If you are coming from another city or country, you can start with a virtual consultation and organize your process with the support of a patient coordinator.

What it does include:

- Flow orientation: steps, agenda and logistical recommendations.
- Support to reach assessment with clarity.

What it does not include:

Flights and direct hotel reservations (we give you the freedom to choose according to your budget).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there visible scars?

Generally no. The incision is made behind the ear, in the natural retroauricular crease. Over time, the scar is usually difficult to notice from the front or in profile.

Is the ear “too close to the ear”?

We are not looking for a flat ear. The objective is a natural and harmonious separation.

Is recovery painful?

Most describe pressure, tightness or discomfort, especially the first few days. It is controlled with indicated analgesics. Severe pain is not expected; if it occurs, it is checked to rule out hematoma or other cause.

When can I return to work?

It depends on your activity and how you evolve. In assessment you are given a realistic guide for your routine.

Do I need to wear a band or bandage?

In most cases, yes. It is part of the process to protect the new shape as it heals.

When can I return to work and exercise?

Office or school work is usually possible in a few days to 1 week, depending on the case. Light cardiovascular exercise can be resumed gradually; contact sports should be avoided for several weeks to protect the consolidating cartilage.

Interested?

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