Hospital de la Familia
What is otoplasty and what issues can it correct?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or resizes the external ear to improve facial proportion and correct structural abnormalities. CMCPER-certified plastic surgeons in Mexico perform otoplasty to address both congenital deformities present at birth and acquired ear issues from injury or trauma.
Prominence Correction
The most common issue otoplasty corrects is protruding ears, often called "ear pinning." This condition typically results from an underdeveloped antihelical fold or an oversized conchal bowl. Surgeons reshape the cartilage to position ears closer to the head, creating natural-looking contours.
Congenital Deformities
Otoplasty addresses multiple birth-related ear conditions:
- Macrotia (disproportionately large ears)
- Lop ear (tip folds downward)
- Cupped ear (small, constricted rim)
- Shell ear (missing natural curves)
- Stahl's ear (pointed upper cartilage)
- Cryptotia (upper ear buried under scalp)
- Microtia/anotia (underdeveloped or absent outer ear requiring cartilage grafts)
Acquired Issues
The procedure repairs trauma-related deformities including cauliflower ear from repeated blunt force, burn damage, and torn or stretched earlobes from heavy earrings. Surgeons also correct asymmetry between ears and refine results from previous unsuccessful surgeries.
These corrections align with international plastic surgery protocols followed by CMCPER-certified surgeons at accredited Mexican clinics, ensuring consistent surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Am I a good candidate for otoplasty?
Plastic surgeons in Mexico certified by CMCPER (Consejo Mexicano de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva) consider you a good candidate for otoplasty if your ears protrude more than 2 cm from your head, you have visible ear asymmetry, or you experience psychological distress due to ear appearance. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes, and pursue the procedure for personal reasons rather than external pressure.
Age Requirements
Children aged 5 and older qualify once ear cartilage reaches full development, typically by age 5–6. Early correction prevents social distress during school years. Adults have no upper age limit if they maintain good health and are psychologically prepared for surgery.
Physical Criteria
- Ear prominence: ears stick out at an angle causing noticeable asymmetry or imbalance with facial features
- Healthy ear tissue: no chronic infections, untreated inflammation, or significant hearing impairments
- Skin elasticity: adequate tissue quality for optimal healing and scar formation
- Overall health: well-managed chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) with medical clearance
Psychological Readiness
You must want surgery for yourself, not to satisfy others' expectations. Patients from the US and Canada who traveled to Mexico reported high satisfaction when they pursued otoplasty to resolve personal insecurity rather than respond to bullying or family pressure. Understanding that surgery improves appearance but doesn't resolve deeper self-esteem issues is essential for realistic outcomes.
Lifestyle Factors
Non-smokers or those willing to quit 4–6 weeks before and after surgery qualify, as nicotine restricts blood flow and triples complication risk. You must commit to wearing protective headbands for 6 weeks post-surgery and avoid contact sports for 8–12 weeks during healing.
CMCPER-certified surgeons in Mexico apply these internationally recognized candidacy standards to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.