What is ear reconstruction?

Ear reconstruction involves reconstructing a missing or deformed auricle using the patient's rib cartilage. This procedure may be necessary in cases:

• microtia - the aforementioned birth defect manifested by the absence of an ear or its abnormal formation,
• loss of the auricle due to trauma, burns or cancer, 
• congenital ear deformities that significantly deviate from the natural appearance.

Reconstruction not only improves appearance, but can also improve function, such as improving hearing when sound-conducting structures are partially preserved.

What does the ear reconstruction procedure look like?

The reconstruction procedure is carried out in two stages. The first stage is the formation of the auricle. jFrom the extracted material (cartilage from the patient's rib arch), the surgeon forms an ear-like structure. The shaped cartilage is then sewn into the skin tunnel near where the auricle should be located.

Stage two is the separation of the ear from the skull. Approximately 6 months after the first surgery, another procedure is performed, during which the auricle is separated from the skull and shaped accordingly with a skin graft.

This gives the ear a natural appearance and stands apart from the skull, as with a healthy auricle. Each stage takes place under general anesthesia, and the hospital stay is usually one day.

How to prepare for ear reconstruction surgery?

The first stage is a consultation with the surgeon, during which the patient undergoes qualification for the surgery and learns about the necessary tests to be performed before the operation. About 3 weeks before the scheduled date, it is necessary to stop medications that affect blood clotting and hormonal preparations. A week before the surgery, it is recommended to avoid stimulants such as alcohol or cigarettes, as they can prolong the healing process.

If surgery is to be performed under general anesthesia, the last meal should be eaten 8-10 hours before surgery. In the case of local anesthesia, it is permissible to eat a light meal before the operation. On the day of surgery, the patient should avoid wearing makeup and facial cosmetics to reduce the risk of infection and to ensure proper conditions for the operation.

Recovery after ear reconstruction surgery

Recuperation after ear reconstruction is an important part of the whole process. In the first few days after surgery, excessive physical exertion should be avoided. Sutures are usually removed about 10 days after surgery, and swelling and bruising subside within 2-3 weeks.

It is necessary to protect the operated area from trauma and to wear a special brace to stabilize the ear for the first weeks after surgery. The full effects of the surgery can be seen after several months, when the auricle of the ear has finally formed.

What are the contraindications to ear reconstruction?

The reconstruction procedure cannot be performed with blood clotting disorders due to the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. Chronic diseases in the exacerbation phase, such as diabetes, hypertension, which are not under medical control, are also eliminated for it. If there are skin infections in the ear area, there is also a risk of complications and infection.

It is worth remembering that in children under the age of 6 it is not possible to collect enough cartilage material.