World’s only exclusive
pediatric microtia surgeon.
Microtia is a congenital ear deformity — present at birth — in which the outer ear is underdeveloped or absent. It affects approximately 1 in 6,000 children and ranges from mild irregularity to complete absence of the ear. Microtia almost always affects hearing on the same side and is classified into four grades by severity.
For over 30 years, Dr. Arturo Bonilla has treated one condition and one condition only — pediatric microtia — not as a specialty within a broader practice, but as the entirety of his surgical career. He treats children exclusively, from newborns through age 17. Families travel from every country in the world to San Antonio for his care.
Microtia
Helped
since 1996
Featured
“Every surgery I perform is on a child born with microtia. This is not a specialty within my practice — it is my entire practice. I have devoted my 30 year career to one condition because this is my passion.”
The most comprehensive patient resource on microtia in the world.
What Grade is Your Child's Microtia?
Microtia is classified into four grades by severity. Click any grade below — the cards expand to explain exactly what it means, what hearing is typically like, and how Dr. Bonilla approaches it.
The ear is smaller than normal but most of the structures are present and recognizable. The ear canal may be narrow or absent, but the general shape of the outer ear is intact.
The lower portion of the ear — including the earlobe — is present, but the upper half is underdeveloped or absent. The ear canal may be present but narrow. Grade II is the second most common type of microtia.
Unlike Grade III reconstruction which typically involves two to three surgical stages, Grade II microtia is often completable in a single surgery averaging approximately three hours using the patient's own natural rib cartilage.
Dr. Bonilla demonstrates the natural flexibility of a reconstructed ear — something no synthetic implant can ever achieve.
| Dr. Bonilla One-Stage Rib | Medpor / SuPor Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery Time | ~3 hours | 7–10 hours |
| Number of Stages | 1 | 1–2 (depending if revision is needed for fracture or unhealed exposure) |
| Material | Patient's own natural tissue | Synthetic implant (polyethylene) |
| Grows With Child | Yes — natural tissue grows | No — plastic never grows |
| Flexibility | Flexes like a real ear | Rigid for life |
| Lifetime Fracture Risk | None | Yes — permanent lifetime risk |
| Exposure Risk | None | Yes — permanent lifetime risk |
| Revision If Needed | Moderate difficulty | May need replacement with a slightly smaller implant |
| Sleeping Comfort | Soft natural tissue | Firm implant material |
| Preferred By Surgeons Worldwide | Approximately 91.3%¹ of microtia surgeons | Less than 2% of microtia surgeons |
| Permanent Result | Yes — with good post-operative care | Lifetime exposure and revision risk |
“When I flex this ear you can see it moves exactly like a natural ear. That is because it is natural tissue — the patient's own rib cartilage. No synthetic implant can ever do this.”
This is the classic microtia most people picture. There is a small, peanut-shaped remnant of skin and cartilage but no recognizable ear structure. The ear canal is usually absent (aural atresia). This is the most common type, seen in approximately 90% of all microtia cases.
Anotia (Greek for "no ear") is the most severe form — there is a complete absence of any external ear tissue or ear canal. While it is the rarest grade, it is very treatable. The inner ear is still usually intact, and Dr. Bonilla has helped many children with Grade IV anotia achieve beautiful, natural-looking ears.
Let Us Guide You
Step by Step
Answer a few short questions and we'll give you a personalized roadmap — what to do first, what questions to ask, and exactly how Dr. Bonilla can help your family.
Your Child's Surgical Timeline
Select your child's current age and grade below. We'll generate a personalized timeline showing every milestone — from today through surgery and beyond.
Complete Ear Reconstruction in a Single Surgery
Not every microtia reconstruction requires multiple stages. For eligible Grade II microtia patients, Dr. Bonilla completes the entire ear reconstruction in a single surgery averaging three hours — using the patient's own natural rib cartilage to create a permanent, flexible, living ear that grows with your child for life. The overwhelming majority of microtia surgeons worldwide — approximately 91.3%¹ — prefer natural rib cartilage over synthetic implants. There is a reason for this global consensus.
Why Families Travel to San Antonio
Dr. Bonilla has practiced microtia reconstruction exclusively since 1996 — no other procedure, no other patient population. That depth of focus is reflected in every aspect of his practice.
Microtia reconstruction is medically necessary — not cosmetic. Most insurance plans cover it. Dr. Bonilla's office manages insurance pre-authorization and appeals.
Most of Dr. Bonilla's patients travel to San Antonio. We assist with hotel arrangements and are experienced coordinating care for international families.
Dr. Bonilla recommends consulting as early as the day of birth — not to rush surgery, but to start the hearing plan and give parents peace of mind immediately.
Dr. Bonilla's work has been recognized by every major television network in the United States, in English and Spanish.
In Their Own Words
These letters arrived at our office from patients across the country. We keep every single one.
He truly is the best doctor. He made my daughter's dreams come true with making her ear. You can tell he truly put his heart and soul to his patients. His staff is very loving and so nice and make you feel at home
People come from all over the world to see Dr. Arturo Bonilla. We are so blessed that we found him. He not only is an amazing surgeon but he is also an amazing human being. He has a huge heart. He is an artist. He is the best Microtia Specialist!
I am so grateful to the doctor and his team, Mrs. Norma, Vanessa, and Dr. Bonilla. After so long, my daughter came into their care, and they have done an excellent job. Their dedication, professionalism, and vocation are truly remarkable. They helped and reassured our family, who traveled from Chile 🇨🇱. We are so happy, and my daughter is too, with Dr. Bonilla. What he does for his young patients is incredible 😊. The care he shows before and after each surgery is wonderful. Thank you to the entire team 💕
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Bonilla personally reviews every case and walks families through their options in detail. Families are encouraged to take the time they need. Many families find the consultation brings a sense of clarity and calm they haven't had since receiving the diagnosis.