Ear reconstruction surgery is fine blend of art and science and requires skilled expertise and precision. Microtia is a condition in which the external portion of the ear is deformed. If children become the target of cruel taunting or unwelcome stares they become self-conscious causing low self-esteem or other emotional problems. Timely correction of this defect is advisable.

Ear reconstructions with artificial materials have inherent defects like allergy and loss of stability over time requiring it to be replaced often. Microtia surgery is ideal for young children and results are aesthetically pleasing. This new method is a two-stage operation in which the first stage involves grafting of the ear framework and second stage involves ear elevation.

External ear is a complex structure that is made up of flexible type of unique specialized bone like elastic tissue called cartilage. Small pieces of the patient’s own cartilage from ribs is taken and finely chiselled and carved to resemble the ear. The skin is lifted and the contoured ear is placed. The second stage of surgery is performed after about three months wherein the graft is elevated to give the ear its natural contours and raised appearance. Natural look is restored after this complex precision based “miracle” surgery.

The treatment of protruding ears, otoplasty, is a very rewarding procedure for both the surgeon and the patient, especially in children. Children with protruding ears are often teased by their peers which can lead to serious body image problems, or in extreme cases, psychological problems. Helping a young person feel better about themselves and improve their self-esteem is a true pleasure.

The best time to correct protruding ears is before the child enters school. The ear develops to its mature size early in childhood and most children can have corrective surgery between 5-7 years old.

Depending upon the procedure, recovery is usually several days. The patient will wear a tennis type headband for several days and at night for another week. Female patients can hide the ear with long hair and return to work in as little as 48 hours. Generally patients will refrain from strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. Again, depending on the procedure some patients will have sutures that are removed 14 days after surgery.

Ear lobes can become stretched or torn from heavy earrings or from trauma such as catching an earring with a hairbrush, children pulling them by catching sweaters while pulling over the head, bath towels, phone cords, etc. Earlobe repair is easily done and is performed in the office with a simple 15 minute procedure with local anaesthesia.

          

Some patients do not want to go without earrings and the ear lobe can be repaired and an earring placed at the same time in most cases.

Like any other part of the body, some patients inherit or develop large earlobes which is known as mega lobe. Many patients go their entire life, often getting teased, not realizing that reduction is a very simple process. There are numerous ways of reducing large earlobes. These include removing a pie shaped wedge of tissue or recontouring the entire lobe. Regardless of the method, the surgery is simple and consists of a 15 minute procedure per ear that is done in the office with local anaesthesia.

Body piercing is popular and sometimes produces problems. Most piercing holes or scars can be repaired and improved. Piercings can be closed and treated with laser and permanent silicone filler.