Facial Plastic Surgery
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) in Guadalajara, Mexico
Otoplasty — also called ear surgery or ear pinning — reshapes and repositions prominent or misshapen ears to bring them into natural balance with the head and face. It is one of the few aesthetic procedures suitable for both children (typically from around age 5 or 6, once the ears are nearly fully grown) and adults, and it is known for high patient satisfaction and long-lasting results. At Fibonacci Plástica, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rigoberto Castellanos performs otoplasty through a discreet incision hidden behind the ear, sculpting the cartilage for a refined, natural shape. For families and patients traveling from the United States, Canada, and across Mexico, the practice pairs surgical expertise with full bilingual concierge support, from virtual consultation through recovery.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cartilage of the outer ear to correct ears that protrude, are oversized, asymmetric, or misshapen — typically through a small, well-hidden incision behind the ear.
By reshaping or repositioning the cartilage and, when needed, recreating the natural folds of the ear, Dr. Castellanos brings the ears closer to the head and into harmony with the rest of the face. Because the incision sits in the crease behind the ear, any resulting scar is hidden from view. Otoplasty is a versatile procedure that addresses several distinct concerns, from prominent ears to oversized or asymmetric ears, missing folds, and earlobe problems.
| Procedure | What it addresses |
|---|---|
| Protruding ears ("ear pinning") | Repositions ears that stick out too far, bringing them closer to the head for a natural, balanced look |
| Large or oversized ears (macrotia) | Reduces and reshapes ears that are disproportionately large for the head and face |
| Ear asymmetry | Reshapes one or both ears so they match more closely in size, position, and projection |
| Misshapen ears & missing folds | Recreates the natural folds and contours of an ear that did not form normally (e.g., a poorly defined antihelical fold or a deep concha) |
| Earlobe concerns | Reshapes large, elongated, or torn earlobes, including damage from heavy or gauged earrings |
| Cartilage repositioning | Permanently sets the cartilage in a refined, natural position so results are long-lasting |
Are you a good candidate for otoplasty?
Good candidates are healthy children (typically from around age 5 or 6) and adults who are bothered by ears that protrude, are oversized, asymmetric, or misshapen, and who want a more balanced, natural facial appearance. By school age the ears have reached nearly their full adult size, and earlier correction can prevent teasing.
- Children: typically around age 5 or 6 or older, with ears that have nearly finished growing, and who are healthy without an untreated ear infection
- Children who are bothered by — or beginning to be teased about — prominent or misshapen ears, with a supportive parent involved
- Adults and teens in good general health who have felt self-conscious about protruding, large, asymmetric, or misshapen ears
- Non-smokers, or those who can stop smoking well before and after surgery
- Those who want to correct stretched, torn, or oversized earlobes
- Patients with realistic expectations — natural balance and proportion, not "perfectly identical" ears
Dr. Castellanos evaluates each patient individually; the consultation, not a checklist, determines the right plan and timing — especially for younger children.
What to expect during otoplasty surgery
Otoplasty usually takes about one to two hours, with the anesthesia chosen to suit the patient's age — younger children are generally treated under general anesthesia for comfort and safety, while many cooperative teens and adults can have otoplasty under local anesthesia with sedation. Surgery takes place at Centro Médico Real San José – Valle Real, an accredited hospital in Guadalajara.
After anesthesia, Dr. Castellanos makes a small incision in the natural crease behind the ear, where any scar will be hidden. Through this access, he reshapes or removes a precise amount of cartilage, recreates the natural antihelical fold when it is absent, and uses permanent internal sutures to set the ear closer to the head in a refined, symmetric position. When both ears are treated, he works to match their shape, size, and projection. The incision is closed with fine sutures, and a supportive dressing or headband is applied to protect the new contour. You — or your child — are discharged the same day in most cases with detailed post-operative instructions.
Otoplasty recovery timeline
Most patients are up and about within a day or two, with a protective headband worn over the ears for the first weeks; visible swelling and bruising fade over the first couple of weeks while the final shape settles over the following months. Wearing the headband exactly as directed — especially at night — is one of the most important factors in protecting the new ear position.
| Days 1–2 | A supportive head dressing covers the ears; mild soreness, swelling, and tightness are normal and managed with medication; rest with the head elevated |
|---|---|
| Days 3–7 | Initial dressing is removed and replaced with a protective headband; most children and adults feel comfortable; follow-up with Dr. Castellanos before traveling home |
| Week 1 | Most travel-in patients are cleared to fly home; light daily activity resumes; ears may feel numb or sensitive |
| Weeks 2–3 | Bruising and most swelling fade; children can usually return to school and adults to desk work; headband worn at night as directed |
| Weeks 4–6 | Contact sports, swimming, and rough play are restricted until cleared; the new ear position looks increasingly natural |
| Months 2–6 | Residual swelling resolves and the final, refined ear shape emerges; the hidden incision behind the ear continues to fade |
Our bilingual concierge team stays available throughout recovery — locally and after you return home — to answer questions for you or your child.
Benefits of otoplasty
Otoplasty delivers a permanent, natural-looking correction of prominent or misshapen ears with a scar hidden behind the ear — and it is associated with high patient and parent satisfaction.
- Ears brought into natural balance with the head and face
- A permanent correction — cartilage is repositioned and set in place
- An incision and scar hidden discreetly behind the ear
- Improved symmetry between the two ears
- Correction of large, torn, or stretched earlobes when needed
- A meaningful boost in confidence — especially for children who were teased
- A relatively quick recovery compared with many facial procedures
Beyond the physical change, parents often describe newfound confidence in their children, and adults describe finally feeling comfortable with short hairstyles, ponytails, and updos.
How much does otoplasty cost in Mexico?
Otoplasty in Guadalajara is priced individually based on whether one or both ears are treated, the specific correction needed, the type of anesthesia, and facility fees — and typically costs significantly less than comparable surgery in the U.S. or Canada, even after travel. Because every plan is customized, your exact price is confirmed after your consultation with Dr. Castellanos.
Pricing includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and accredited-hospital facility costs. Whether the procedure is for a child or an adult, and whether one or both ears need correction, affects the total, which is why an individualized estimate is confirmed after consultation. Contact us at 1-855-735-7751 or request a virtual consultation for a full, itemized estimate.
Why choose Dr. Castellanos and Fibonacci Plástica?
Dr. Rigoberto Castellanos is a board-certified plastic surgeon with international training and a fully accredited hospital setting — the credentials that matter most when choosing a surgeon abroad for yourself or your child.
Board-certified by the Mexican Council of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery (Cert. #2247)
International member of ISAPS and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Trained at the Universidad de Guadalajara (graduated with honors) and Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, with advanced training in Spain and Brazil
Operates at Centro Médico Real San José – Valle Real, one of western Mexico's most advanced facilities
Experienced with delicate facial and ear cartilage work for natural, refined results in children and adults
Full bilingual concierge from virtual consultation through post-operative follow-up
See real patient results, learn more about your surgeon, or read about traveling for your care: Before & After Gallery · About Dr. Castellanos · Traveling for Your Care.
Frequently asked questions
Schedule your consultation
Fibonacci Plástica offers expert surgical care in a modern, accredited facility with full concierge support from arrival through recovery — for adults and children alike. Dr. Castellanos and our bilingual team will guide you through every step of your otoplasty journey. Request your free virtual consultation or call 1-855-735-7751 today.
or call +1-855-735-7751
