What is Ear Reconstruction?

The ear is an organ that commands detailed attention when reconstructing. Ear reconstruction is surgery done to correct a deformity or defect of the ear, whether it is congenital or traumatic in origin. A congenital deformity of the ear is called microtia. The surgery can be purely for cosmetic reasons or to actually restore otherwise compromised hearing caused by an ear deformity.

Who is a good candidate for Ear Reconstruction?

Once the ears are done growing, over six years of age, it is an ideal time to schedule ear reconstruction. Ear reconstruction can be done at any age throughout adulthood. The fully-grown unaffected ear can act as a template for the other ear's reconstruction in many cases.

How is an Ear Reconstruction performed?

Patients are fully assessed using a CT scan of the affected ear to determine the extent of the deformity. Ear reconstruction is done two stages, about six to twelve months apart. Most reconstructive procedures use rib cartilage for grafting; this is usually taken from the eighth rib. The cartilage used for ear reconstruction can be harvested up to six months before the final surgery. It is taken through a small incision at the rib level in which a drain is usually placed, post-operatively, to keep area swelling to a minimum. The cartilage pieces are wired together and shaped to create the desired smooth appearance and final organ. During the same surgery, a skin pocket is formed at the ear site. The newly formed and molded cartilage is inserted into the skin pocket. Suction is created within the pocket to encourage the skin to adhere to the cartilage form. The final stage of reconstruction involves releasing the ear from the head and adding a piece of cartilage to create proper angling from the skull. Finally, an ear lobe is created with available skin.

A simpler, more common ear reconstruction procedure is otoplasty, pinning back the ears closer to the head. During this surgery, a part of the skin behind the ear is removed.

What is the recovery time?

The initial, extensive and detailed surgery takes four to six hours and requires a five to seven day hospitalization. The second and final surgery takes three to four hours with a two to three day hospitalization. Most of the post-operative pain is felt at the site where the rib cartilage was removed. There will be a protective dressing over the ear after surgery. Post-operative instructions for care are well explained before discharge and should be followed accordingly. The ear function will also be frequently assessed.

What will the results be like?

With a dramatic success rate, ear reconstruction gives patients the confidence and self-assurance that was lacking before the operation. Patients with ear deformities are frequently the recipients of teasing and ridicule. The psychological benefits of this surgery are immense and far-reaching.

What are the risks of Ear Reconstruction?

Risks are inherent in all surgery, most commonly infection and bleeding. Ear reconstruction carries several other risks. These include skin tautness or discoloration, and the body may reabsorb the cartilage used to reconstruct the ear, or the reconstruction might move from the originally intended site.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.