Life After Microtia Surgery: What Happens After Ear Reconstruction?
Microtia is a congenital condition that causes the ear to form improperly, which can affect hearing, speech, and self-esteem. At Reinisch Plastic Surgery, Dr. John Reinisch provides microtia treatment to reconstruct the ear, helping patients feel more confident due to their improved hearing.
Parents of children with microtia often have concerns about life after microtia surgery and what happens after ear reconstruction. Our Beverly Hills, CA, patients enjoy natural-looking results and a boost in confidence that will serve them well throughout life.
About Microtia Ear Reconstruction Surgery
Microtia ear reconstruction surgery in our Beverly Hills practice is performed by Dr. Reinisch using his MEDPOR® ear reconstruction technique.
During surgery, biocompatible polyethylene is used to create a framework in the shape of the patient’s new ear. It’s then covered with the patient’s own tissue; as the body heals, the tissues will attach to the framework. This creates a natural-looking ear with minimal scarring.
After Microtia Surgery
After microtia surgery, patients and their caregivers must be prepared for a recovery period. During the first few days of recovery, patients must wear a compression garment over their ear and avoid touching the ear. Young children often need constant supervision to make sure they don’t disturb the ear.
It’s also normal to experience some pain and swelling. Pain is often well-managed with doctor prescribed medication. Both pain and swelling should subside throughout the first few days of recovery.
After one week, most patients are recovered enough to return to school and may return to their usual routines upon approval by their doctor. However, care must still be taken around the ear. Strenuous activities or anything that could injure the ear should be avoided until fully healed.
When Will We See the Full Results?
Patients should expect to see the final results of their surgery about three months after their procedure. By this time, swelling should have fully subsided and the ear fully healed.
Because the patient’s own tissue is used, their newly reconstructed ear will look natural as they age, providing a lifetime of benefits, including improved hearing and improved confidence.
Improved Hearing and Speech Development
Some children with microtia have aural atresia. Aural atresia is a narrowing or absence of the ear canal, which can impair hearing. When children can’t hear well, it can also affect their speech development.
Microtia treatment can be combined with aural atresia repair to reconstruct both the outer ear and the ear canal, improving hearing, which in turn can help with speech development.
Improved Confidence
Children with microtia often feel insecure about the appearance of their ears. Low self-esteem can make children withdraw and hold themselves back. Microtia ear reconstruction can help children feel confident with their appearance and ready to take on the world.
The Sky’s the Limit
No one should let microtia hold them back. Microtia surgery can help children lead a normal life where they can feel confident to let themselves shine.
Some may even feel inspired to lead an extraordinary life. Take Paul Stanley of legendary rock band KISS for example. Stanley details growing up with microtia and how it caused him to feel insecure and not very socially adept. Stanley had microtia surgery in 1982, something he describes as truly life changing.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information about microtia ear reconstruction surgery or other microtia treatments, please schedule a consultation at Reinisch Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills.