Why Ear Reconstruction with Rib Cartilage is The Safest Choice?

 


Ear reconstruction is a go-to solution for those having congenital ear abnormalities like microtia (small/malformed/underdeveloped external ear), anotia (missing outer ear), or cryptotia (buried upper ear portion). It is even recommended to fix significant ear damage from traumatic injuries and ear deformities acquired from cancer surgery or other serious medical conditions. The safest choice for ear reconstruction is the use of rib cartilage. Why so? Let’s understand here, first looking at available methods for ear reconstruction in Mumbai.

 

Different Choices for Ear Reconstruction

 

  • Autologous Ear Reconstruction: It involves the use of rib cartilage to create an ear framework for graft. Sometimes, before placing the framework, a tissue expansion is required, and after the framework placement, a skin graft is required. All grafts are taken from the patient’s own body and so naturally integrate with the body, ensuring minimal to no risk of rejection after implantation.

 

  • Ear Reconstruction with Prosthetic: It involves the use of an artificial ear, the porous polyethylene ear implants called MedPor, to create a new ear structure.


The surgeon determines the suitable method of ear reconstruction after knowing the patient’s age, the type and severity of the ear defect, and the required level of correction.

 

The Most Preferred Option- Rib Cartilage Ear Reconstruction

 

Ear reconstruction surgery with rib cartilage is a gold standard approach that aims to create a robust, natural-looking, and durable ear. It is a multi-stage method of ear reconstruction where the patient’s own rib cartilage is harvested from the 6th-8th ribs to sculpt into a new ear framework. The framework is then implanted in the skin pocket in the designated place created on the side of the head, in line with the opposite ear. Thereafter, minor surgeries are performed to improve the ear shape, projection, symmetry, and overall appearance. In some cases, an ear canal is created to restore hearing.

 

Rib cartilage ear reconstruction is typically done on children aged between 6 and 10 years who have a congenital ear defect to ensure sufficient rib cartilage is available and the child’s ear and facial structure are fully developed. However, it is even preferred by adults who missed their ear defect correction at a young age or have severely damaged or absent ears after a traumatic injury or some serious medical condition.  

 

The Benefits of Using Rib Cartilage for Ear Reconstruction

 

  • Lower Possibility of Rejection of Reconstructed Ear- As the new ear is meticulously sculpted from the patient’s own rib cartilage, the patient’s body recognizes it as self and doesn’t cause any complications. Thus, rib cartilage ear reconstruction is the safest choice.

 

  • Durability of New Ear- As the rib cartilage is strong, durable, and can last for a lifetime, the new ear stays with the patient throughout life. The surgery has a 90% success rate.

  

  • Maintenance of Size and Proportions of New Ear- When rib cartilage ear reconstruction is performed on children aged between 6 and 10 years, the new ear grows and maintains its size and proportions with advancing age. That’s because of the continued growth of the rib cartilage with the growth and development of the children.

 

  • Resilience of New Ear to Trauma- As rib cartilage is robust, the reconstructed ear needs no special protection against trauma. After a successful rib cartilage ear reconstruction and full recovery, contact sports can be played without extra protection.

 

  • Natural Form, Function, and Feel of New Ear- The ear reconstructed with rib cartilage gets enough blood supply and nutrients to function as a normal ear. The ear looks, feels, and functions more like a natural ear. 

 

Safest Choice: Ear Reconstruction With Rib Cartilage

 

Ear reconstruction with rib cartilage is undoubtedly the safest choice, owing to the use of autologous rib cartilage and skin grafts with great strength and durability. However, having safe and effective ear reconstruction with this approach and achieving the desired results heavily relies on the choice of the surgeon. The surgeon with extensive artistry, skills, experience, and expertise in ear reconstruction with rib cartilage must be picked.

 

Need more information about ear reconstruction with rib cartilage? Simply let us know. You can arrange a consultation with Dr. Parag Telang, an exceptional cosmetic ear reconstruction surgeon for microtia surgery in Mumbai. He has expertise in rib cartilage ear reconstruction and offers this treatment at a budget-friendly price. 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Do I Achieve Permanent Results With Otoplasty Surgery?

Otoplasty Surgery: A Permanent Solution for Prominent Ears

Reasons for Ear Deformities in Newborns