Posted by Ears, apart from their vital role in hearing, contribute significantly to our facial aesthetics. Any deformities or irregularities in the external ear are immediately noticeable by others. This can impact one’s sense of self by impacting their self-confidence.
Among these, microtia ear, or small ear, stands as a congenital condition that affects the development of the ear, leading to irregularly shaped, small, or even missing ears. Such malformations can have repercussions not only on the ear’s appearance but also on the sense of hearing, as they can cause a narrower or completely closed ear canal, resulting in impaired hearing.
Grades of Microtia
Microtia can be categorized into different grades based on the extent of the ear malformation:
- Grade 1: This grade is characterized by a small ear, often accompanied by a narrowed or partially missing ear canal.
- Grade 2: In this grade, the upper half of the outer ear is abnormally developed, usually with a narrowed or partially missing ear canal.
- Grade 3: This is the most common form of microtia and is characterized by a small, abnormally developed ear with a completely absent ear canal.
- Grade 4: This is the most severe form, where both the ear and the ear canal are entirely missing.
Microtia Treatment with Cartilage Surgery
The optimal material for reconstructing a new ear is the soft cartilage obtained from the child’s rib. This cartilage, sourced from the patient’s own body, significantly reduces the risk of rejection and the chances of infection. The cartilage is meticulously crafted into a three-dimensional ear scaffold and positioned in the appropriate area on the side of the head. Subsequently, a skin graft is applied over the cartilage implant, resulting in the creation of a durable, natural-looking ear.
Microtia Surgery in Two Stages
- Stage 1: In the initial stage, the rib cartilage is harvested, and a three-dimensional ear framework is meticulously created. If the patient possesses a normal second ear, it is used as a template to guide the creation of a new ear from the harvested cartilage. Subsequently, the entire ear framework is surgically inserted in the appropriate location on the side of the head.
- Stage 2: The second stage, conducted between three to six months after the first, focuses on creating the sulcus, the groove behind the ear. A tight bandage is applied to secure the skin graft in place for approximately five to seven days.
Conclusion
Microtia, although it presents challenges, can be effectively addressed through surgical intervention. One can get it effectively treated by consulting a plastic surgeon. However, it is crucial to choose a surgeon who has expertise in ear surgeries. Ear surgeries are crucial surgeries that require a meticulous approach as well as creative abilities.
If one is looking for the best ear surgeon in Mumbai, one can consult with Dr. Parag Telang at The Microtia Trust. He offers a wide range of treatments for ear deformities to patients suffering from microtia. He provides treatments for both external and internal ear deformities, prominent ears, and ear loss after injury or burns. Moreover, he has treated many international patients from the USA, UAE, Europe, London, and across the globe and corrected their ear-associated problems. One can find this expert at The Microtia Trust, which is established by this leading ear surgeon.