Ear Reconstruction Surgery – Insights

 

Ear reconstruction surgery is an operation to repair or rebuild the pinna or auricle- the external/outer part of the ear. It is a complex process performed by a team of specialists- an expert ear reconstruction plastic surgeon in the presence of an otolaryngologist (ear physician), and sometimes a hearing specialist (if hearing loss is a concern). It is not meant to address issues with hearing ability, rather it is done to correct a congenital ear defect or used to restore an ear affected by cancer surgery or damaged by trauma. For children who want ear reconstruction for birth defects, the surgery is often carried out between the ages of 6 and 10, when the ear has almost reached adult size.

If one is suffering from traumatic or congenital ear issues or defects, they can get it treated at The Micro Trust, where the ear reconstruction surgery in Mumbai is performed by the best ear reconstruction and microtia surgeon, Dr. Parag Telang.

 

Why is Ear Reconstruction Done?

 

Typically, ear reconstruction is done to treat the below-mentioned conditions of the pinna:

 

• Anotia- a missing ear

• Microtia- an underdeveloped ear

• Constricted ear- an ear folded over itself

• Stahl’s ear- a pointed ear having extra skin folds

• Cryptotia- portion of the ear buried under the skin on the head side

• Damaged or removed part of an ear due to cancer treatment

• Accidental/traumatic damage to the ear like a burn.

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Types of Ear Reconstruction Surgery:

 

1.  Microtia repair- Microtia refers to an inborn defect wherein either one or both of the outer ears are tiny, malformed, or absent. It can be repaired by surgeries including the creation of a new ear out of the patient’s rib cartilage or building a prosthetic ear.

    

2.  Otoplasty- Also called cosmetic ear surgery, it is an operation to change the shape, size, or position of the ears. It is done on the visible, outer part of the ear. It is chosen by people who wish to pin their ears closer to their heads to make them less prominent. Individuals even might consider otoplasty if their ear or ears are misshapen because of an injury or birth defect.   

 

3.  Ear defect repair- When the ear is subjected to any trauma or cancer treatment, the tissues lying in the ear site might get lost. A plastic surgeon can help in the restoration of the form and function of the defective outer ear through surgery.

 

For people who want to know more about all these procedures they can visit The Microtia Trust and consult Dr. Parag Telang, best ear surgeon in Mumbai.

 

What happens in ear reconstruction surgery?

 

Ear reconstruction can be done as an outpatient procedure in a surgical setting under general anaesthesia. It is possible with several approaches, including:

 

Autologous reconstruction with rib cartilage

 

This method is often employed by surgeons for children with congenital ear defects, having adult-sized ears and enough rib cartilage for the procedure. It involves 2-4 separate surgeries, depending upon the technique preferred by the surgeon. These are-

 

• Harvesting of cartilages from ribs to be used for meticulous carving of a new ear framework.

• Positioning of the new sculpted ear under the skin at the side of the head in line with the opposite ear.

• Elevating the ear away from the head.

• Molding of the skin is typically excised from the scalp, another ear, collarbone, or groin over the ear framework to create a natural appearance.

Advantages:

 

• It is usually done to repair microtia (small ear).

• It makes use of the body’s tissues, hence minimal long-term consequences of having them.

• The reconstructed ear can withstand trauma very well.

• There is less risk of having an injury to the reconstructed ear from contact sports.

• It provides excellent results when done with the skilled hands of the surgeon.

 

Recovery from ear reconstruction surgery:

 

The recovery of the patient depends upon the type of ear reconstruction and surgical approach used by the surgeon. After the operation, the patient can expect some pain, swelling, itching, and bleeding. Painkillers as directed by a healthcare provider can be taken to get relief from any discomfort. A protective covering may be asked to be worn by the patient for several days. Complete healing takes about 3 months.

 

Ear reconstruction needs follow-up care. Some aftercare instructions include:

 

• Do not put any sort of pressure or rub the reconstructed ear.

• Wear button-down shirts or shirts/tops with loose-fitting collars.

• Avoid rough play, contact sports, and strenuous activities. 

 

Dr. Parag Telang is a world-famous ear surgeon who is known for correcting microtia and other ear cosmetic concerns. He is also known for performing the best ear surgery in India. He is a specialist in ear reconstruction surgery for children who were born without an ear or only have part of one, or who lost an ear in an accident.

 

Microtia is not a very common condition, and Dr. Parag Telang is one of the few doctors who have the knowledge, experience, and skills to treat it successfully. Due to the complicated structure of the ear, ear reconstruction surgery is one of the hardest surgeries to do. For the ear to look natural, the surgeon must use cartilage from the patient's ribs to rebuild it.

Patients visit Dr. Parag Telang from all around the world to avail benefits of his innovative approach to treatment, compassionate care, and surgical skills for ear reconstruction in Mumbai that can help one to achieve the best desired results. To know more, pay a visit now at The Microtia Trust, Mumbai.