Ear Reconstruction for Microtia
Microtia is a condition in which one or both of a child’s ears hasn’t developed correctly, giving it an abnormal or small appearance. While the condition typically doesn’t completely prevent a child from hearing, it is often a cosmetic concern and can lead to speech abnormalities.
From answering any questions you have about microtia to aiding in your ear reconstruction recovery, our Beverly Hills, CA, team is here to guide you and your child through the ear reconstruction process.
Board-certified and Harvard Medical School-trained, Dr. John Reinisch of Reinisch Plastic Surgery is the world’s most experienced microtia surgeon, having treated over 4,000 patients with the condition. He's here to guide you and your child through the ear reconstruction journey.
Diagnosing Microtia
Dr. Reinisch will first meet with your child so he can examine the affected ear. He will be able to rule out any syndromes, confirm hearing in your child’s normal ear, and weigh the benefits of a bone-conduction hearing aid.
Ear Reconstruction Surgery
If your child is approved for surgery, they have two options:
MEDPOR Reconstruction
In 1991, Dr. Reinisch developed the MEDPOR® technique. With this technique, our doctor creates a new ear with a biocompatible polyethylene framework and the patient's own tissue. This technique can be performed on patients as young as three years old.
Rib Cartilage Reconstruction
Rib cartilage reconstruction uses a patient's own rib cartilage to reconstruct the ear. During the surgery, our doctor removes cartilage from several of the patient’s ribs, creates an ear that matches their healthy ear, and places the cartilage inside a pocket of skin at the treatment site. This series of two to four surgeries can be completed on patients who are between the ages of 10 and 16.
Follow-Up Care
United States Patients
If you're from the United States, you can return home two days after your ear reconstruction surgery. In two weeks, you will return back to our Beverly Hills office where Dr. Reinisch will change your child’s bandages and perform a post-surgical checkup.
International Patients
If you're an international patient, you will have to stay in the United States for three to four weeks to undergo the entire process. During this time, our doctor will perform the pre-surgical consultation, surgery, and follow-up visit where he will change bandages and perform a post-surgical checkup.
Recovering After Ear Reconstruction Surgery
Following ear reconstruction, patients should:
- Wear their compression garment for 24 hours after surgery
- Wait three days to resume light activities
- Wait one week to return to normal activities
Swelling should subside completely in three months with final results becoming apparent in three months.
Ear Reconstruction in Adults
While ear reconstruction is often performed on young patients with microtia, our doctor can treat microtia in adults, correct prior surgeries, and perform reconstruction for ear injuries.
Change Your or Your Child’s Life - Contact Us Today
If your child has microtia, Reinisch Plastic Surgery can help. Our practice is proud to serve patients all over the world from our Beverly Hills, CA, location. Our office team speaks Spanish, English, Mandarin, Italian, Russian, and Hungarian so we can best serve the needs of our patients. Contact our office today to learn how you can help your child live a normal life.
