Microtia is a fairly common birth deformity, ranging from mild to severe, the condition may entail a slight deformity in size, form, fold, or appearance, the most severe case is when the outer ears are completely absent. Some babies with slight deformities may not need ear molding, as sometimes it is not even noticed and just thought of as a peculiarity. However, if it is grossly deformed then there are two options currently available to patients and the service providers like that of Microtia Surgery New York can help through ear molding and real-ear reconstructive surgery. These two procedures can effectively correct the deformity in the ear of the babies, but surgery is only given when the baby reaches four years old while the molding can start event less than four weeks old. Having reconstructive surgery is important as the visible absence of an earlobe may not only cause health issues, it is something that people notice and it may be the source of insecurity for adults and can be a reason for bullying in young children. However, as with any medical procedure and one that entails surgery, you need to be armed with all the knowledge before you commit to the procedure either for yourself if you have the condition due to cancer or any other illness, or for your child.
What Is Microtia and How Will Microtia Surgery New York Providers Help?
A good Microtia Surgery New York provider can perform ear molding and ear reconstructive surgery to help babies and adults alike with deformed ears get an anatomically correct ear. Microtia is a birth deformity that is very common among babies, any variation in size, shape, and form of the ear from the normal-sized one can be classified as microtia. The most severe form of microtia is when the earlobes are completely absent. For mild cases, ear molding can suffice, this procedure uses a patented molding cast that is attached to the deformed ear. The mold shapes or sculpts the ear cartilage in babies as early as one week. Since the ear cartilage of babies is quite pliable, the mold can help the ear take the form of the mold which is fashioned using the normal ear of the child. Thus, there can be no two similar ears, in fact, our earlobes are unique to us just like a fingerprint. After a specific time of wearing the mold, the baby’s ears are expected to have been corrected without any need for any invasive procedures. On the other hand, if the microtia is severe, then real-ear reconstructive surgery is needed. This is where, the doctors will use cadaveric rib cartilage from the Musculoskeletal Tissue Foundation and sculpt this into an ear, then surgically attach it to the head where the ear should be. The new ear will have sensations, has no risk for infection and rejection, and can even take in blunt force if it so happens. Unlike prosthetic ears, these sculpted real-ears are the real deal.
Getting A Consultation with Microtia Surgery New York Providers
If your baby has been diagnosed with microtia, or even if you have just noticed that your child’s ears are uneven or not the same, it is best to go in for a consultation with a service provider like that of Microtia Surgery New York as this is where your suspicions and doubts will finally be answered. It will also save you from the torment of constantly worrying about your child’s condition and how it will affect him or her as they grow up. The reconstructive surgery providers can be contacted through their contact numbers on their website, after getting an appointment, make sure to follow the health protocols in place. If you are from out of state or abroad, virtual consultations can also be had, you just need to indicate this when you make the appointment. If you live within the area, it is still best to come in person. In the initial consultation, the doctor will examine your child’s condition and will make an assessment if he or she needs molding or real-ear reconstructive surgery. If the child is a candidate for reconstructive surgery, then this will be explained to you in detail and this is where you can ask all of the questions that are bothering you. If you are the one having the surgery, then it is also best that you clarify all the things that you need to know before you commit to the procedure.
Things to Prepare for The Microtia Surgery New York Providers
Once doctors like that of Microtia Surgery New York providers have determined that you or your child is a viable candidate for the real-ear reconstructive surgery, you will be asked for a 3D CT scan of your good ear, this is where the doctors will base their sculpting of the new ear. The new ear is made from cadaveric rib cartilage which is very safe and effective. Unlike the metaphor ears made from plastic, this real-ear reconstructive surgery is made from all human cartilage. The sculpted ear is then surgically attached to the head, the procedure takes about two hours with general anesthesia, this also ensures that babies will not be exposed to too much anesthesia. The procedure is done in the clinic as an outpatient procedure and you or your baby can go home after it. There is minimal pain after the surgery, over the counter medications can provide relief from pain. The ear will be swollen in the first two or three days and it should be covered by silicone to protect it. The patient can go back to work or to school after two or three days, however, contact sport is not allowed as it may potentially damage the new ear. You will be given instructions on how to care for the new ear and what to do when warning signs occur like bleeding in the surgery site or foul-smelling odor from the new ear, or unbearable pain. If this happens, it is important that you contact the service providers immediately.
Ear molding and real-ear reconstructive surgery may prove to be the best procedure in combatting microtia, but it has its own risks as any medical procedure would entail, but Microtia Surgery New York assures you that it is completely safe and life-altering for those suffering from no earlobes at all.
