Ear Reconstruction: Know All About It

Ear reconstruction is a type of plastic surgery designed to correct the aesthetic

appearance of the outer auricle and pinna after irregularities caused by birth defects, trauma, burns, or skin cancer removal. Good candidates for this type of reconstruction are those patients in general good health with realistic expectations. Your surgeon may advise you to stop smoking and taking aspirin for at least two weeks before and after surgery.

Total ear reconstruction due birth defect or extreme trauma often involves four stages, performed two to three months apart. Techniques for other common cause of injury, such as laceration, burn, and infected or torn piercings will vary depending on the extent and severity of the injury.

Often, torn earlobes can be easily corrected via a series of outpatient procedures. Occasionally, healing of the wound is necessary before surgery can take place. Seek medical advice immediately after any sort of damage to the ear to protect the area and prevent further tissue damage.

Techniques used in this type of surgery often involve flaps, skin or cartilage grafts and primary linear suture closures. The size and location of the defect often determines which reconstruction technique is best suited, while the goal is to restore the size, shape, and alignment of the auricle and pinna. Extensive reconstruction designed to replace birth defects or serious trauma usually follows four stages.

In the first stage, healthy cartilage is retrieved from the ribs and inserted into a pocket of skin under the deformed or damaged ear. The second stage involves creation of the new earlobe. The newly formed auricle and pinna are elevated from the side of the head in the third stage and a skin graft (often taken from the upper buttock area) is applied to the underside of it. The fourth and final stage involves creating an opening in the conchae to give the appearance of a natural ear canal and finalizes the symmetry and balance.

Post-operatively, your surgeon may recommend avoiding contact sports of any kind for at least a month. While risks and side effects are minimal, all surgeries carry with them the same risks of anesthetic reaction, infection, slow healing, unsatisfactory results, and hematoma or seroma formation.

Choosing a board certified and experienced surgeon in this field is the most important step toward reducing risks and post-operative complications. Optimal results and successful recovery are best achieved when carefully following the instructions provided by your surgeon.

by: Abigail Aaronson

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