Ear Reconstruction

Procedure

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Unfortunately some babies are born with very small rudimentary ears. This is known as microtia. In addition a small number of adults lose part of their ear through trauma or skin cancer. Sometimes we are required to use ear reconstruction techniques to rebuild ears after poorly performed aesthetic surgery elsewhere.  Whatever the cause Ken is able to reconstruct complete or partial absence of the ear using your own cartilage.

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Process

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Ear reconstruction is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Since the ear is made from cartilage and skin we need to rebuild it using your own cartilage and skin. For small defects we can use cartilage from your other ear. For larger defects or completely missing ears we tend to use your rib cartilage.The harvested cartilage is carved into the shape of the missing ear or part ear. This is then positioned and covered with a flap of skin from behind your ear. Small silicon drains are inserted to suck the skin onto the cartilage. Frequently a second procedure is required to project the ear and to insert a skin graft behind to recreate the groove behind your ear.Alternative techniques using buried plastic implant (Medpor TM) can be used but we tend not to favour these due to the risk of ulceration through the skin.

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Aftercare

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If your ear has been rebuilt with ear cartilage you can go home the same day. If Ken has used rib cartilage then patients usually stay in for 3-4 days. The suction drains are removed before you go home.

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A sponge dressing covers and protects the reconstructed ear for 2 weeks. The skin stitches are removed at 7 days. You will be seen frequently as an outpatient during the healing phase so that we can monitor your progress. If a second stage is required this would typically be scheduled 3-6 months later.