Ear sculpting
I was born with an abnormally shaped auricle. I was lucky my peers didn’t point at me due to this deformation when I was a child. As I was accepted the way I am, I’ve thought about what to do to make my ear look regular. I’ve always had long hair that con
The reconstruction is designed to model and shape all or part of the auricle with the Patient’s own tissue, so that the ear looks natural and pleasant.
The surgery consists of two stages spread over time. At the first stage, some cartilage is harvested from the costal arch and a scaffold of a new auricle is formed out of it and implanted in the target location in a specially prepared skin pocket. A residual auricle formed in the treated person is first removed. The new structure made of the harvested cartilage remains under the Patient’s skin for about 6 months. It is then separated from the head and a post-auricular groove is formed.
Ears are reconstructed if auricles have not been properly shaped since birth or were deformed in accidents or as a result of illness.
The outer ear, like the middle and inner ears, develops at an early stage of foetal life. Developmental defects of the auricle, part of the external ear, arise at the time, too. The auricle is formed by a skin fold extended over cartilaginous tissue. Children with disturbed foetal development of their ears may be born without an auricle (anotia), with under-developed auricles (microtia) or with a variety of ear defects.
These complaints are more common in boys, usually on the right side, and only rarely on both. They may be caused by genetic factors, mother’s infections in the 1st trimester or some medication taken at this time of foetal development.
Remedying developmental defects of the ear is a complex process that consists of many stages and involves auricle reconstruction with cartilaginous tissue from other regions of the Patient’s body and transplanting it to the location of defects or deformations.
Ear deficits during your life can be of varied nature and scale. They can affect the skin, both the skin and cartilage or the whole auricle. In case of little skin deficits, treatment may be limited to a local plasty. Larger defects will require more complicated treatment including cartilage transplants from the other ear or from ribs.
Ear reconstruction is a complicated procedure, yet it brings spectacular effects. Patients are able to enjoy a natural and pleasing look of their auricles whose shape and size fit their heads and faces.
Patients planning or expecting a surgery are requested to read ‘Guide for the Patient – preparation for your procedure’, available in the INFORMATION section.
Patients will be informed in detail about any recommendations following their procedures at the clinic.
Results of a reconstruction can be seen immediately after the procedure. The final effect, though, can be appreciated 6-12 months after the surgery.
Children can have their ears reconstructed even if they haven’t reached their age of puberty. These procedures are undertaken when the Patient is 7 at the earliest. The Patient may not have enough cartilage to harvest as the foundation of a new auricle before. The qualifying surgeon decides if a little Patient can have the operation or if it must be delayed.
The procedure is designed not only to reproduce your ear but also to give it a natural shape so that it’s not different from your other ear and fits your face and head. An experienced plastic surgeon will produce a shapely and pleasant-looking auricle.
I’m afraid not everybody can have their ears reconstructed using their own tissue. Above all, the procedure is not recommended to the elderly who have lost their ear in effect of a cancer. A reconstruction may not bring satisfactory effects in Patients who have had surgeries near their ears which have left substantial scars.
The procedure of reconstructing your ear or its part is regarded as safe since it uses the Patient’s tissue which is not rejected.
The ear reconstruction is a surgery and such procedures leave scars. Adequate care of incised locations will make them discreet.
Forming an ear with the Patient’s own material is not the sole method of reconstruction. Titanium implants with prostheses mounted on are another option. A natural-looking auricle is produced as a result. The surgeon in consultation with the Patient will select a method of reconstruction on reviewing a given condition.
Every surgery entails the risk of complications. The Patient will be informed about general complications and those specific to this procedure at a qualifying medical appointment after their health condition is reviewed.
It is. A ear may occasionally change its appearance a little, however. Cartilage can become deformed.
The auricle structure will be stable and firm enough and should not cause problems holding an aid, especially the state-of-the-art, light and small devices. When forming an ear, the surgeon doesn’t forget natural processes and cavities that help to fix the aid properly. You should remember, though, the region operated upon must be sufficiently healed. If the Patient is in any doubt, they should consult their supervising doctor.
2-3h
General
1 day on tissue harvesting and transplant and 1 day after separation of the ear from the head
7-14 days after the surgery
Long-lasting
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, hypertension/ diabetes issues, blood clotting disorders, skin infections
Expert
