Why Seek Ear Reconstructive Surgery

Ear surgery reconstruction is challenging surgery to perform because the ear is comprised of multiple and tiny parts. There are several reasons for seeking reconstructions, including those that are purely cosmetic. Microtia, repair due to trauma, and repair due to aesthetic attempts gone wrong are common reasons that the procedure is sought.

Microtia, a congenital ear deformity, literally translated means small ear. There is no known reason for the presence of the condition, and it most often is unilateral—occurring only on one side. For a child anticipating ear reconstructive surgery, a doctor will recommend waiting until the age of six or seven. Because of the nature of the surgery, the child must be this old for the actual reconstructive tissues that are taken from the rib cage to be large enough to form an adequately sized replacement. It is also recommended to wait until a certain age because not only does the small ear rarely emotionally affect a younger child but also it is easier for a surgeon to work with a child of a certain age who can cognitively employ recovery techniques.

There are many types of ear trauma that may benefit from an ear surgery reconstruction, but it should be noted that unless a procedure is likely to restore hearing, these choices are made for aesthetic reasons. Doctors see many candidates who are recovering burn victims or victims of other traumatic injury. These surgeries will be more involved as the outside of the ear and the inside of the ear are both likely in need of repair. External procedures are commonly performed by plastic surgeons, but internal issues should be tended to by a very specialized team. Often called a craniofacial team, this group could consist of an ENT, a plastic surgeon, a neurologist, and perhaps a dentist as such injuries can protrude into the jaw. A speech pathologist may also be assigned to determine if any of the structures of the ear or palate involved in maintaining speech.

In recent times, fad piercing has caused many aesthetically displeasing outcomes. The heavy materials placed in the manipulative cartilage can cause rips, tears, gashes, and holes. And, though some of these are often the goal of ear gauging and piercing, doctors are beginning to see clients with piercing remorse seeking repair to the damaged area. Some have seen clients as a result of face lifts gone badly, while other more common things such as ear pinning or re-shaping are also commonly addressed.