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Otoplasty in Brazil

You can improve protruding ears with otoplasty.

By Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr. · Updated: 04/15/2026

Otoplasty in Brazil: ear surgery for protruding ear correction

Protruding ears -- the so-called "bat ears" -- can cause significant discomfort in the lives of those who have them. Many people try to hide them with hair, hats, or headbands, and end up limiting even their choice of hairstyles and daily activities. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Brazil, I perform otoplasty -- also known as ear pinning or ear surgery -- at my clinic in Londrina, Parana, with the goal of restoring a natural and balanced appearance to the facial contour. It is a safe surgery, with predictable results, that gently reshapes the ear cartilage to create ears proportional to the face.

I use different techniques to reposition the ears closer to the head, resize them when necessary, or correct asymmetries, always carefully reshaping the cartilage to preserve a natural appearance — without that "stuck" ear look, which I consider an artificial result.

From what age?

From the age of six, the ears have completed about 90% of their development and can therefore be operated on safely. In many cases, I prefer to perform otoplasty at this age — before the start of school life — to avoid embarrassment among peers. However, many of my patients seek the surgery in adulthood and achieve equally excellent results. There is no upper age limit for otoplasty.

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"In this video I explain everything about otoplasty with the Pitanguy Island technique for correcting protruding ears:"

Pre-operative

The consultation

During the consultation for otoplasty, I carefully evaluate three fundamental elements and explain each of them to the patient: the absence of the anti-helix, the projection of the conchas, and the presence or absence of asymmetries.

The anti-helix is a fold in the cartilage that gives curvature to the outer part of the ear, especially in the upper segment. In patients with protruding ears, one or both anti-helixes are "flattened," which projects the ears forward, creating the protruding appearance. In otoplasty, I delicately redesign the anti-helixes, following the technique from Professor Ivo Pitanguy. In some cases — particularly in small children, whose cartilage is more pliable — it is possible to simply scrape the cartilage to recreate the anti-helixes, without the need for a full-thickness incision.

Excess cartilage in the concha projects the ears forward, potentially reaching an angle close to 90 degrees with the head. During surgery, I rotate the conchas backward without removing cartilage, maintaining the natural projection. I consider an ear with no projection, glued to the head, to be artificial. In my technique, I perform a calculated hypercorrection, as the ears gradually open over the first three weeks until they achieve a balanced and attractive result. To control this opening, the patient wears a compressive band 24 hours a day during this period.

Asymmetries between the ears are quite common — often, one ear projects more than the other. In the vast majority of cases, otoplasty minimizes these differences so efficiently that they become imperceptible in daily life. In rare situations, when the asymmetry involves a significant deformity, the surgery may include partial or total reconstruction of the auricle.

Anatomical details I evaluate during the otoplasty consultation

Helix

The helix of the ear is the outermost fold, starting at the root of the ear and ending at the lobe. Most of the time, its curvature is normal, but in cases of otoplasty for lop ear or cup ear, the curvature is very pronounced, sometimes caused by a horizontal fold in the cartilage that crosses the anti-helix, requiring in these cases, remodeling of the helix and support with a spring made from the concha cartilage.

Anti-helix

In most cases of protruding ears, the anti-helix, which should be a curved "Y" shaped fold, located just anterior to the helix, is absent. Otoplasty involves remodeling the cartilage, recreating the anti-helix and thereby reducing the projection, especially of the upper pole of the protruding ear.

Darwin's tubercle

This fold or projection on the helix, at its superior-external point, is evident in most people but may be just a barely perceptible thickening in others, called Darwin's tubercle. In some cases, when it is very prominent and enhances the projection of protruding ears, I may surgically reduce it during otoplasty.

Lobe

The lobe of the ear is the lower part, without cartilage, where earrings are placed. The lobe can be attached or free. In some cases, especially in the elderly, it can be excessively large, and plastic surgery for ears can reduce its size by removing a wedge in the shape of a slice of pizza close to its insertion on the face. In other cases, otoplasty can close torn holes from earrings (due to allergy or trauma) through an anterior zetaplasty and simple suture on the back to break the scar, interposing healthy skin in it, preventing future tears.

Tragus

This cartilage protuberance in front of the ear, at the height of the external auditory canal, is called the tragus. The tragus may be flattened, mainly due to a stigma from facial plastic surgery, the facelift, when the surgeon tries to hide the scar behind the tragus. In these cases, it is enough to release the cartilage by removing the scar tissue that holds it, restoring its projection. The cartilage protuberance above the lobe is called the antitragus.

Root

The uppermost insertion of the ear, consisting of the beginning of the helix and located just above the tragus, is called the root of the ear. It rarely needs to be operated on with otoplasty, but it is very useful in cases of helix flap (Antia flap), where a V-Y flap is performed at the root, allowing lateral and inferior advancement of the helix to repair loss of substance in the middle or upper thirds of the helix. Most of the time, it serves as an anatomical parameter during facial lifting surgery as the maximum limit where the hairline can reach, in order to avoid a stigma of facial plastic surgery.

Concha

This smooth, concave part, adhered to the mastoid, posterior to the external acoustic meatus, is called the concha and contains cartilage that is ideal for performing grafts of hyaline cartilage, in the nose, for example. The concha may be very projected forward in patients with protruding ears and can be detached from its posterior part and properly fixed to the mastoid, reducing its projection. Normally, I perform this maneuver together with the remodeling of the anti-helix.

Exams

I request the following pre-operative exams to perform otoplasty safely:

  • Complete blood count;
  • PT with INR + aPTT;
  • Creatinine;
  • BUN;
  • Fasting blood glucose;
  • Total proteins and fractions;
  • Urinalysis;
  • EKG;
  • Pre-operative cardiac clearance (evaluation by a cardiologist).

Anesthesia

I perform otoplasty under general anesthesia, which provides total comfort to the patient during the procedure, which lasts between sixty and ninety minutes. In selected cases of cooperative adults, local anesthesia with sedation may be a viable alternative, but general anesthesia remains my preference for the safety and comfort it provides — especially in children.

The surgery

I begin the otoplasty with precise marking and removal of excess skin in the posterior region of the ears. Next, I outline and create the island of cartilage that will shape the new anti-helix — this is the essence of the Island technique I learned from Professor Ivo Pitanguy. The cartilage is projected with absorbable sutures, and the new contour of the ear begins to reveal itself. Then, I detach the auricular cartilage from the mastoid and rotate the ear backward, correcting the excessive projection of the concha. All suturing is done exclusively behind the ears, remaining completely hidden.

In my experience, otoplasty is an outpatient procedure: the patient goes home the same day, as soon as the effects of anesthesia wear off, with a padded bandage in the shape of a helmet that protects the ears without causing thermal discomfort. This bandage remains for about three days.

Scars

Since all surgery is performed in the posterior region of the ears, the scars are completely hidden and usually present an excellent aesthetic result. Patients with a tendency to keloids should be evaluated before surgery — the retroauricular region has a slightly higher risk of keloid formation, as do the shoulders and pre-sternal region. In my experience, the incidence of unsightly scars after otoplasty is less than 0.5%.

Post-operative

After otoplasty, the intensity of pain varies from patient to patient — some feel moderate discomfort, while others feel practically none. I use effective analgesic medications, including OTC pain medication such as acetaminophen, that make the post-operative period quite comfortable. The compressive band should be worn 24 hours a day for three weeks, being removed only for bathing. I remove the sutures between 7 and 10 days, and after about a month, the patient can resume light physical activities, sleep on their side, and wear glasses again.

Swelling improves considerably in the first month, but it may take up to six months to resolve completely. During this period, the sensitivity of the ears may be temporarily diminished, returning progressively.

Recurrence

Recurrence is when the ears start to project again after surgery. The Island technique I use involves a full-thickness incision through the cartilage — a technical detail that neutralizes its original elastic memory and, in my experience and in the surgical literature, makes recurrence extremely rare. This is one of the major differentiators of the approach I learned from Professor Pitanguy: by building a cartilage island and reshaping the antihelix contour, the result tends to remain stable long-term, year after year.

Reconstructive Otoplasty

In fact, otoplasty is a term that refers to any plastic surgery of the ears, whether due to protruding ears or other variations such as: lop ear, cup ear, microtia (small ear), anotia (absence of ear), reconstruction after trauma or due to the removal of skin cancer, among others.

The various deformities that an ear can present individualize the treatment for each case, which can range from a simple relaxation of the cartilage with minimal skin removal, removal of a part of the other ear to reconstruct a defect, or even a surgery with total reconstruction of the auricle using cartilage taken from the chest.

In my clinic in Brazil, each patient is evaluated individually and clearly informed about the real possibilities of improvement — total or partial — of the problem they present. Throughout my training and practice, I have developed the necessary experience to offer the best solutions in reconstructive otoplasty, always prioritizing a functional and aesthetically natural result.

How much does otoplasty cost in Londrina, Brazil?

Otoplasty pricing varies with the complexity of the case — straightforward bilateral correction of prominent ears, unilateral cases, combined earlobe repair, and reconstructions of deformities such as lop ear or cup ear all have different price points. The total investment includes surgical fees, the anesthesia team, disposable materials, and hospital/facility time. I provide a personalized quote during the first consultation (US$ 160), after I assess your ears in person, choose the best technique, and estimate the operating time. For international patients, the cost of ear surgery in Brazil is typically a fraction of what it would be in the US or Europe, even when you factor in the trip.

Does insurance cover otoplasty in the US?

Most US private insurers — Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana — classify otoplasty as cosmetic surgery and will not cover it in adults. The usual exceptions are congenital deformities (microtia, anotia), traumatic injury reconstruction, and post-cancer reconstruction, which are considered reconstructive. In children under 18, some carriers cover correction of significantly protruding ears when documentation shows functional or psychosocial impact, but pre-authorization and medical records are mandatory. Medicaid policies vary by state, and original Medicare generally does not cover cosmetic otoplasty. In my Brazilian clinic, I work on a private (out-of-pocket) basis: the quote is discussed openly during the consultation, with no surprises.

Otoplasty compression headband: how to use it, for how long, and where to buy one

The compression headband — also called an otoplasty headband, ear compression garment, or ear band — is the single most important piece of your recovery kit. It holds the ears in their new position while the cartilage heals, controls the gradual reopening caused by surgical hypercorrection, and helps reduce swelling. Without it, results can fall short of expectations even when the surgery itself is flawlessly executed.

How long should I wear the compression headband after otoplasty?

Here is what I tell my patients: wear the headband 24 hours a day for the first three weeks, removing it only for your daily shower. After that, keep wearing it overnight for another one to two weeks, totaling around 30 to 35 days. That transition protects the ears from pillow friction while the tissues finish healing and keeps the result durable.

Where can I buy an otoplasty headband?

You will find ear compression headbands at surgical supply stores, orthopedic supply stores, online specialty retailers (Amazon, Walmart, and medical supply websites all sell them under search terms like "otoplasty headband," "ear band post surgery," or "ear compression garment"), and some larger pharmacies. I tell my patients to order the right model before surgery, so it is ready and waiting at home on the day they are discharged. Look for a model that compresses the ears snugly without squeezing the head so tightly that it causes headaches.

Headbands for children, men, and women

Pediatric sizes with fun colors or patterns can make things easier for younger patients. Adults usually prefer neutral fabrics (black, gray, beige) that blend in under longer hair or a hat. During the first three weeks, hair partially covers the headband, and in the last one to two weeks many patients comfortably return to work — men with shorter hair typically just explain the situation to colleagues.

What do ears look like before and after otoplasty?

Before otoplasty, prominent ears project forward and form an angle greater than 30 degrees with the lateral plane of the head. The three most common anatomical findings are: a flattened antihelix (missing the curved "Y" fold), an excessively projected concha, and asymmetries — one ear usually sticks out more than the other. Many patients hide their ears behind long hair, hats, caps, or headbands, limiting hairstyles and sports, and in children, leading to comments at school.

After surgery, the ears look proportional to the face, with a redesigned antihelix and a concha rotated backward. I always preserve some natural projection — I consider an ear that is fully flattened against the head to look artificial. The final result reveals itself gradually: during the first three weeks, swelling and the compression headband control the gradual reopening; between 1 and 3 months, the natural contour appears; and through month 6, residual swelling and ear sensitivity return to normal. The scars, completely hidden behind the ears, are essentially invisible in daily life.

I do not publish before-and-after photos here. The Brazilian Federal Medical Council (CFM) code of medical ethics restricts promotional use of patient images on public websites, even with written consent. During the in-office consultation, I show real cases of mine (with explicit patient authorization, in a private setting) so you can evaluate the pattern of results from my technique with full transparency. If you prefer, you can also read verified patient reviews on my Google Business profile, which include the wording patients chose to share publicly.

Incisionless otoplasty (thread lift ear pinning): does it work?

Incisionless otoplasty — also called the closed technique, thread otoplasty, suture-only otoplasty, or stitch method — is a procedure in which the surgeon passes non-absorbable sutures through small skin punctures, without an open incision, trying to fold the cartilage and reposition the ear. I do not perform this technique in my practice. Here is why.

The surgical literature shows that incisionless techniques have higher recurrence rates than traditional open techniques, because they do not break the elastic memory of the cartilage — they only try to hold it mechanically with sutures. Over time, the cartilage tends to return to its original position, and the threads themselves can cause complications: extrusion (sutures poking back through the skin), infection, granulomas, and chronic discomfort. Patients whose internal otoplasty stitches come through the skin months or years later are a frequent complaint in this technique.

That is why I prefer the Pitanguy Island technique, with a posterior incision (hidden behind the ear) through the full thickness of the cartilage. In my experience and in the published literature, this approach neutralizes the original elastic memory and delivers the most stable long-term result. The difference between a technique that "mechanically holds" the cartilage and one that actually reshapes the cartilage itself is exactly what explains why recurrence is so rare with the Island technique.

Bad otoplasty: how to spot it and what to do next

Signs of a bad otoplasty include: ears that are overcorrected and glued flat to the head (the "telephone ear" look), obvious asymmetry between the two sides, an antihelix with an artificial, sharp-edged contour, a deformed concha, hypertrophic or keloid scars, internal sutures coming through the skin, and recurrence of the original projection. Revision rates in the published literature range from 5% to 15%, depending heavily on the technique used and the surgeon's experience.

Revision otoplasty (redo surgery)

Revision otoplasty is more complex than primary surgery: there is scar tissue, the anatomy has already been altered, and in some cases cartilage is missing and cannot simply be reshaped. I evaluate each case individually and, when indicated, perform the revision using cartilage grafts from the opposite concha or from a rib. The minimum interval between the first surgery and a revision is typically 6 to 12 months, so that healing is complete and the final result from the first operation has fully matured.

How to avoid otoplasty regret

The factors that most contribute to regret are unrealistic expectations (wanting ears "perfectly flat," which looks artificial), not understanding the gradual reopening that happens over the first few weeks, choosing a technique with a high recurrence rate (like thread-only otoplasty), or — most importantly — choosing a surgeon without specific training in ear surgery. The best prevention is an honest consultation: ask how many otoplasties the surgeon performs per month, which technique they use and why, and request to see photos of real cases in the office. In the US, verify your surgeon's certification at www.abplasticsurgery.org (American Board of Plastic Surgery) or through your state medical board.

Otoplasty in children: ideal age, newborn ear molding, and safety

Surgical otoplasty can be performed from age 6 — the age at which the ears have completed about 90% of their final development. In many cases, I prefer to operate between ages 6 and 10, before the start of elementary school or early in it, so the child can avoid being teased by classmates. The procedure is safe at this age: I perform it under general anesthesia in a hospital setting, in roughly 90 minutes, and the child goes home the same day.

Ear molding for newborns (EarBuddies and similar systems)

In babies up to approximately 3 months old, there is a non-surgical alternative: ear molding with devices such as EarBuddies, EarWell, or similar clinical systems. During the first weeks of life, the newborn's auricular cartilage is extremely pliable because of residual maternal estrogen, and the ears can be reshaped with specific devices that adhere to the skin. This treatment should always be supervised by a trained plastic surgeon or pediatric specialist. When started early enough (ideally in the first two weeks), ear molding can prevent the need for surgery later on.

Once that early window has passed, the molds lose effectiveness — the cartilage stiffens, and only surgery will correct the deformity. So if you have a newborn with prominent or folded ears, see a plastic surgeon (or a pediatrician who refers directly) in the first weeks of life to explore the molding option before the cartilage matures.

Who is qualified to perform otoplasty in the US and Brazil?

Otoplasty is a regulated surgical procedure, and under US and Brazilian law alike, it can only be performed by a licensed physician. The medical specialties formally recognized to operate on the auricle are:

  • Plastic surgeon — in the US, a physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), following an accredited residency in plastic surgery. In Brazil, a physician with RQE (specialist registration) in Plastic Surgery, ideally with dedicated training in ear surgery. My own training was at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute in Rio de Janeiro, a world reference for teaching the Island technique for otoplasty.
  • Facial plastic surgeon / ENT (otolaryngologist) — a physician certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). ENTs and facial plastic surgeons are especially well trained for reconstruction in microtia, anotia, and complex congenital deformities, and many also perform cosmetic otoplasty.
  • Head and neck surgeon — for reconstructive cases after trauma or oncologic resection.

Before scheduling your otoplasty, verify credentials. In the US, confirm board certification via abplasticsurgery.org, the ABMS directory, or your state medical board. In Brazil, check the surgeon's registration at the CFM Portal and confirm the RQE for the specialty. In my practice in Londrina, I am an active member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) with CRM-PR 17,388 and RQE 15,688 — all publicly verifiable. This level of caution matters especially given the rise of "quick courses" and "minimally invasive techniques" promoted by providers without a full plastic surgery residency.

Keloid risk and otoplasty: who is more likely to develop one?

A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue in which collagen is laid down beyond the original wound margins, creating a raised, reddish, often itchy bump. The retroauricular region — where the otoplasty incision lives — has a slightly higher keloid risk, along with the shoulders, chest, and earlobes. In patients with a personal or family history of keloids, I assess the risk carefully before recommending surgery.

I have a history of keloids: can I still have otoplasty?

Yes, but with extra precautions. During the consultation, I review your personal and family history, examine prior scars (vaccination marks, C-section, previous surgeries), and if there are clear signs of a keloid tendency, I may: (a) postpone surgery, (b) layer in preventive post-op treatments such as silicone sheeting, intralesional steroid injections, or laser therapy, or (c) treat any active keloid before operating. In patients without a history, standard wound care and routine follow-up are usually enough.

Infected otoplasty: what to do

Infection after otoplasty is rare but serious, because it can compromise the cartilage — a structure with limited blood supply. Warning signs include: increasing pain after the third day (when it should be getting better), redness, local warmth, yellowish or greenish discharge, and fever. If you notice any of these signs during recovery, contact your surgeon right away. Treatment involves systemic antibiotics and, in advanced cases, drainage and removal of any non-viable tissue. Prevention is best: proper dressing care, strict hygiene around the compression headband, and following the post-op prescription to the letter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otoplasty

At what age is it possible to have otoplasty?

In my experience, by the age of six, the ears have completed about 90% of their development and can be operated on safely. In many cases, I prefer to perform otoplasty at this age — before the start of school life — to avoid embarrassment among peers. However, many of my patients seek the surgery in adulthood and achieve equally excellent results.

Does otoplasty leave visible scars?

No. I perform the entire surgery on the back of the ears, so the scars are completely hidden and usually result in excellent aesthetic outcomes. In my experience, the incidence of unsightly scars after otoplasty is less than 0.5%.

Can the ears revert after surgery?

In my practice, recurrence is extremely rare. The Island technique I learned from Professor Ivo Pitanguy uses a full-thickness incision through the cartilage and neutralizes its original elastic memory, which keeps the result stable long-term. I recommend that my patients wear a compression headband 24 hours a day for three weeks to help protect that result.

How long does otoplasty surgery take?

I perform otoplasty in sixty to ninety minutes, under general anesthesia, which is my preference for the safety and comfort it provides — especially in children. The patient goes home the same day, as soon as the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

What is the postoperative period like for otoplasty?

At the end of the surgery, I apply a padded dressing in the shape of a helmet that protects the ears for about three days. Then, I recommend that my patients wear a compressive band 24 hours a day for three weeks. I remove the sutures between 7 and 10 days, and after about a month, the patient can resume light physical activities, sleep on their side, and start wearing glasses again. Swelling improves considerably in the first month, but it can take up to six months to resolve completely.

Does otoplasty correct asymmetries between the ears?

Yes. In my experience, asymmetries between the ears are quite common — often, one ear protrudes more than the other. In the vast majority of cases, otoplasty minimizes these differences so efficiently that they become imperceptible in daily life.

Is otoplasty only for protruding ears?

No. In my clinic in Brazil, I perform otoplasty for various situations: correction of protruding ears, lop ear, cup ear, microtia, anotia, reconstruction after trauma or removal of skin cancer, among others. Each patient is evaluated individually and clearly informed about the real possibilities of improvement.

What type of anesthesia is used in otoplasty?

I perform otoplasty under general anesthesia, which provides total comfort to the patient during the procedure. In selected cases of cooperative adults, local anesthesia with sedation may be a viable alternative, but general anesthesia remains my preference for the safety and comfort it provides — especially in children.

What is the Island technique of Pitanguy?

The Island technique is the core of the otoplasty I learned from Professor Ivo Pitanguy. It consists of building a cartilage island that will shape the new antihelix, with a full-thickness incision through the cartilage. This technical detail neutralizes the original elastic memory of the cartilage and reshapes the ear contour in a stable, durable way. It is one of the major differentiators of my technique, and is what makes recurrence extremely rare.

What tests are necessary before otoplasty?

I request a complete blood count, PT with INR, aPTT, creatinine, BUN, fasting blood glucose, total proteins and fractions, urinalysis, EKG, and pre-operative cardiac clearance. These tests ensure that the surgery is performed with total safety.

How much does otoplasty cost in Londrina, Brazil?

Pricing depends on the complexity of the case — bilateral prominent-ear correction, unilateral surgery, combined earlobe repair, or reconstruction of deformities all have different costs. I provide a personalized quote during the first consultation (US$ 160), covering surgical fees, the anesthesia team, disposable materials, and hospital time. For international patients, ear surgery in Brazil is typically a fraction of US or European pricing, even factoring in the trip.

Does insurance cover otoplasty in the US?

Most US private insurers — Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana — classify adult otoplasty as cosmetic and do not cover it. Exceptions apply to congenital deformities (microtia, anotia), traumatic reconstruction, and post-cancer reconstruction. In children under 18, some carriers cover significantly protruding ears with documented functional or psychosocial impact, always requiring pre-authorization. Medicaid varies by state, and original Medicare does not cover cosmetic otoplasty. My clinic in Brazil works on a private, out-of-pocket basis.

How long should I wear the compression headband after otoplasty?

I tell my patients to wear the compression headband (ear band) 24 hours a day for the first three weeks, removing it only for daily showers. After that, keep it on overnight for another one to two weeks, totaling around 30 to 35 days. The headband controls the gradual reopening of the ears and reduces swelling.

Where can I buy an otoplasty headband?

Ear compression headbands are sold at surgical supply stores, orthopedic supply stores, online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, and medical supply websites list them under "otoplasty headband," "ear band post surgery," or "ear compression garment"), and some larger pharmacies. Order yours before surgery so it is ready on the day of discharge. Pediatric, men's, and women's models are available.

Do you perform incisionless otoplasty (thread otoplasty)?

No. The surgical literature shows that incisionless, suture-only techniques have higher recurrence rates than open techniques, because they do not break the elastic memory of the cartilage — they only hold it mechanically with threads. Threads can extrude through the skin, get infected, or cause chronic discomfort. I prefer the Pitanguy Island technique, with a hidden posterior incision, for its stable long-term result.

What are the signs of a bad otoplasty?

Warning signs include: ears overcorrected and glued to the head (the "telephone ear" look), obvious asymmetry, an antihelix with an artificial or sharp-edged contour, hypertrophic or keloid scars, internal stitches coming through the skin, and recurrence of the original projection. Revision rates reported in the literature range from 5% to 15%, depending on technique and surgeon experience. Revision otoplasty is more complex than primary surgery and typically requires a 6-to-12-month interval after the first operation.

Can infants have otoplasty?

Surgical otoplasty starts at age 6. For babies up to approximately 3 months old, there is a non-surgical option: ear molding with devices such as EarBuddies or EarWell. In the first weeks of life, auricular cartilage is extremely pliable because of residual maternal estrogen and can be reshaped with adhesive molding devices. Once this early window closes, the cartilage stiffens and only surgery will correct the deformity.

Who is qualified to perform otoplasty?

Otoplasty can only be performed by a licensed physician. In the US, the specialists formally recognized to operate on the ear are: board-certified plastic surgeons (ABPS), facial plastic surgeons and ENTs (ABOtoHNS / ABFPRS), and head and neck surgeons for reconstructive cases. Verify credentials at abplasticsurgery.org, certificationmatters.org, or your state medical board. In Brazil, confirm the surgeon's registration at the CFM Portal and the RQE in the specialty.

Can people with a history of keloids have otoplasty?

Yes, but with extra precautions. I review your personal and family history, examine prior scars (vaccination marks, C-section, previous surgeries), and if there is a clear keloid tendency, I may postpone surgery, add preventive post-op treatments (silicone sheeting, intralesional steroid injections, laser therapy), or treat any active keloid before operating. The retroauricular region carries a slightly higher keloid risk, so the plan is always individualized.

Schedule your consultation for otoplasty in Brazil

If you want to know more about otoplasty or other plastic surgeries I perform in Brazil, I would be happy to welcome you for a personalized evaluation. Get in touch with my clinic and schedule your first consultation.

Also, learn about lobuloplasty for the correction of torn or elongated lobes. Patients seeking facial balance often combine otoplasty with procedures such as rhinoplasty, mentoplasty, and blepharoplasty. Learn more about the investment and pre-surgical preparation.

Are you ready for this change? Call now and schedule a consultation!


Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.

Plastic Surgeon in Londrina - Brazil

Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil

YouTube Channel: Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.

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