Microtia, a congenital, outer ear deformity or malformation, can affect one ear or both. It comes in four grades, ranging from a small but normal ear to a completely absent external ear (anotia). For some microtia patients, the ear canal may be malformed, leading to hearing impairment. Maternal genetics, diabetes, or certain medication intake may be causing the condition or increasing its risk. Thankfully, a surgical ear reconstruction by a qualified and experienced microtia surgeon, along with the best otoplasty surgeon, can allow the microtia patient to lead a better life.
About Microtia Ear Surgery with Rib Cartilage
Microtia ear surgery with rib cartilage or autologous ear reconstruction is a surgical relief for children born with an underdeveloped or absent outer ear (auricle). It is reserved for microtia patients seeking a complete, natural-looking, and functioning ear.
Here’s what to expect from the surgery process:
Initial consultation and pre-operative evaluation - Before starting the surgery, the microtia surgeon will assess the patient’s microtia grade, ear symmetry with the opposite ear, age, availability of sufficient rib cartilage, and hearing ability. Typically, healthy patients aged between 7 and 10 years with realistic expectations are ideal candidates for microtia surgery with rib cartilage.
- The surgery- Microtia ear surgery with rib cartilage is a multi-stage ear reconstruction. The surgeon decides the technique and procedural steps. In general, firstly, the surgeon harvests the patient’s rib cartilage from the 6th-8th ribs through a chest incision, which is later sutured. The rib cartilage is then meticulously joined together to carve a 3D ear framework resembling a normal ear. Once ready, the framework is placed inside a skin pocket created at the site of the affected ear. After the new ear stabilizes, around 3-6 months later, the surgeon performs ear lobe transposition and new ear elevation, followed by ear refining procedures.
The Reasons Behind the Success of Microtia Ear Surgery with Rib Cartilage
Microtia ear surgery with rib cartilage is more successful than getting a custom-made silicone ear prosthesis due to the following reasons:
The use of the patient’s own rib cartilage allows the body to accept the new ear framework. As the cartilage is a living tissue taken from the patient’s own body, there is no chance of rejection, infection, or allergic reaction.
Sturdy, durable new ear- Once implanted, the rib cartilage ear framework stays and grows proportionally with the patient without being affected by daily contacts.
Customisation- The surgeon who carves the new ear framework ensures the precise, cosmetic matching with the other ear in terms of folds, shape, proportions, and symmetry.
Use of advanced surgical techniques/tools- These contribute to realistic outcomes and even enhanced healing.
Well-vascularised skin for the new ear to stabilise- As the new ear framework is placed in the skin pocket, which has a good blood supply, there is better healing of the new ear and reduced risk of loss of tissue.
Boost in self-confidence and social comfort - The lifelike, permanent outcomes foster a stronger sense of acceptance, thereby restoring lost confidence and social comfort in microtia patients.
- High patient satisfaction rates- Studies reveal around an 85 to 95% satisfaction rate. As microtia ear surgery with rib cartilage has long been helping microtia patients, it is considered a gold standard microtia repair.
Get Started on Your Surgical Ear Reconstruction with Dr. Parag Telang
Dr. Parag Telang is one of the best microtia surgeons in India with years of experience in helping microtia patients undergo a physical and emotional transformation.
Original Source:- https://trainly.org/read-blog/21196_microtia-ear-reconstruction-with-rib-cartilage-guide-to-natural-ear-restoration.html
