Type of Surgery
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Last updated: 11/24/2009
Some ear deformities in children, including protruding ears and Stahl's deformity, can be treated with ear molding in the early weeks of life, when the cartilage in the ear can be reshaped by the application of splints and Steri-Strips. One technique...
involves making a mold in the shape desired for the child's ear from dental compound and attaching it to the ear with methylmethacrylate glue. The ear and the mold are held in place with surgical tape and covered with a tubular bandage or ear wrap for reinforcement. The mold and tape must be worn constantly for six weeks, with a change of dressing every two weeks. Ear molding is reported to be about 85% effective when it is started within six weeks after the baby's birth. It costs less than surgery—about $600—and is considerably less painful. The chief disadvantage of ear molding is its ineffectiveness in treating ear deformities characterized by the absence of skin and cartilage rather than distorted shape.
There are no effective alternatives to otoplasty in treating ear deformities or injuries in adults; however, some plastic surgeons use custom-made silicone molds to help maintain the position of the ears in adult patients for several weeks after surgery.
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People hear sound waves when the ear and associated structures convert sound energy into nerve impulses. An overview of the way in which the ear "hears" is discussed along with discussion of the two main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
During a setback otoplasty, an incision is made in the back of the ear, exposing cartilage (A). Permanent sutures in the cartilage pull the ear back closer to the skull (B). The incision is closed (C), and dressings are applied (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
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Otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery to change the appearance of a person's external ears. Otoplasty can take many forms, such as bringing the ears closer to the head (often called ear pinning), reducing the size of very big ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage. Other reconstructive procedures deal with the deformed, or abscent-microtic ears. Otoplasty surgery can involve a combination of moving, reshaping, adding, or removing structural ear elements. This procedure is usually performed by either an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon, or ENT surgeon.
The pinna, or external ear, is made of a thin structural cartilage covered over with thin skin. Each of the various folds and structures of the pinna is named. Ear deformity results from distorted, damaged, or missing ear elements. Many otoplasties are performed not because of actual deformity, but because the individual is displeased with the shape of their ears.
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