Microtia Ear Surgery In India
Microtia is a congenital defect of one or both outer ears. It refers to the small ears that are not fully developed within the first trimester of pregnancy. There are four grades of microtia, each differing based on the appearance of the ears. A microtia ear may appear peanut-shaped, have a small outer lobe, or have a completely absent outer ear. Many times, this ear deformity is associated with reduced hearing ability or loss of hearing (atresia). Whether or not microtia results in impaired hearing, it does affect a child’s facial aesthetics and lowers his/her self-esteem. The patient may feel embarrassed and often has to experience bullying by peers. Luckily, the microtia ear can be corrected through an ear reconstruction surgery to help these children lead a normal life.
At Designer Bodyz, the ear reconstruction surgery is performed by Dr. Parag Telang, one of the best microtia ear surgeons in India.
The aim of microtia surgery in India is to create a natural-looking, normal-sized ear on one or either side of the head as per the requirement. It involves the use of rib cartilage grafts to construct a new ear framework. In some patients with hearing issues, a bone-anchored hearing aid is implanted under the skin during microtia surgery. Thus, microtia surgery can help improve facial appearance and balance so that patients can boost their self-esteem and confidence in their looks.
The gold standard reliable surgical technique that has been in practice since the 1920s to correct microtia is Rib Cartilage Graft Surgical Reconstruction. It is the most successful and reliable ear reconstruction treatment in India, involving two surgeries performed separately with a spacing of several months to allow for healing between stages. It is important to know that this surgery requires meticulousness which can be obtained only through the right training and years of experience in reconstructive surgeries. Thus, while opting for ear reconstruction one must choose their surgeon wisely to avoid any mishaps. Dr. Parag Telang is one of the very few surgeons who specialize in performing ear reconstruction surgeries in India. So far he has successfully performed more than 600 surgeries and helped his patients get a normal-looking ears.
- The surgery exclusively uses the body’s own tissues (rib cartilage and skin) so there are no chances of rejection.
- The reconstructed ear is resilient to injury and infection as the rib cartilage graft is strong and resistant to breaking.
- It can withstand the rigors of most contact sports.
- The surgery results in excellent, long-lasting, natural-looking results.
- It improves the self-esteem of the patients and rescues them from depression and anxiety.
Ideal Candidates for Rib Cartilage Ear Reconstruction
- Children typically between 9-15 years of age have fully-developed ears and sufficiently thick, robust rib cartilage to make an adult-sized ear.
- Healthy individuals with realistic expectations.
To know if one is an ideal candidate for microtia ear surgery in India, one can visit Designer Bodyz (Mumbai).
Prior to the ear reconstruction surgery, the child’s parents are usually asked to arrange a consult with the microtia ear surgeon. Dr. Parag Telang, an ear reconstruction surgeon in India, takes into account the medical records of the patient and carefully assesses the patient’s hairline, ear anatomy of the normal ear, and facial symmetry to accordingly plan for the surgery. The necessary laboratory tests and preparatory medications are also determined for the patient.
Microtia Ear Surgery Procedure
Microtia ear surgery using rib cartilage as a graft is performed under general anesthesia so that the child doesn’t feel any pain during the surgery. It involves the following steps:
- Harvesting of rib cartilage graft
An incision of 1-1.5 inch length is made in the child’s chest over the 6th, 7th, and 8th ribs, and part of the floating ribs and section of rib cartilage is taken out. - Creation of the cartilage framework for the new ear
The harvested rib cartilage is then meticulously carved and pieced together to form a framework for the new ear. Each part of the new ear framework is custom-made and assembled to match the opposite ear of the patient. To aid in the creation of the ear framework, 3D printed models of the other normal ear are used. - Placing of the cartilage ear framework at the side of the head
Once the ear framework is complete, it is set into a skin pocket created underneath the scalp at level with the opposite ear at the side of the head where the ear must be located. The patient’s own ear remnants are utilized to create lobules - the inferior fleshy part of the ear. This is followed by 3-4 months of healing wherein the ear cartilage framework gets incorporated into the patient’s live tissues. - Fine-tuning of reconstructed ear and smoothing out of earlobe
After the ear is healed, more surgeries may be required to complete ear reconstruction. This includes making some adjustments to the reconstructed ear. This is stage 2 of microtia surgery. During this stage, the surgeon makes incisions behind the ear to release the ear from the scalp skin. Next, the surgeon lifts the cartilage framework to allow the ear to “stick out” or project and match with the other side. The skin and cartilage grafts are taken and placed to cover the backside of the newly lifted ear so that it is lifted away from the head. In some cases, additional minor surgeries are carried out to improve the ear shape, and the appearance of the scars, or to make the ear stick out even further.
Dr. Parag Telang is one of the best plastic and cosmetic surgeons in India and is known for his expertise, skills, and experience. He is the founder of Designer Bodyz and he is known for his surgical artistry with patients from all over the country and clients abroad. He has performed thousands of successful skin rejuvenating treatments using lasers, dermal fillers, surgeries and specializes in body contouring surgeries like liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, belt lipectomy, body lifting techniques like thigh lift and arm lift, facial feminization surgeries, jawline contouring, ear reconstruction surgery, micro ear surgery, otoplasty, hairline advancement, buccal fat removal surgery, fat transfer, lip augmentation, lip reduction, lip contouring, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers.
The team of experts at Designer Bodyz is committed to providing specialized, and compassionate care to all the patients. The aim is to help them not only look but feel like the best version of themselves by providing the best treatment and guidance through every step, from initial consultation to post-surgical follow-up.
Post-op Recovery and Care
Following the surgery, the patient may feel some discomfort in the ears as well as the chest. Surgical drains may be inserted into the incision sites to reduce the accumulation of blood or other fluids and help relieve pressure and swelling. A light dressing is used to cover the patient's new ear or a postoperative ear guard may be worn to protect the newly reconstructed ear. The recovery period and potential downtime can last for about 10-14 days.
During the recovery period, the patient must sleep in an elevated or upright position and ensure that the reconstructed ear is not disrupted. Prescribed medications to alleviate pain, swelling, or any infection must be given on a fixed schedule and not avoided. Strenuous activities must not be performed by the patient for 4-6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Question
Who is the best microtia ear surgeon?
Dr. Parag Telang is a world-renowned surgeon who is an expert in correcting microtia and other ear deformities. He is an expert in ear reconstruction surgery in India for children who are born with missing or partial ears or those who have had a traumatic loss of an ear.
The condition of microtia is not so common, and only a few surgeons have the necessary knowledge, practice, and skills to treat the condition successfully. Dr. Parag Telang is one of them. The ear reconstruction surgery is one of the most difficult surgeries to perform due to the complex ear design. He performs various ear surgeries, otoplasty, anotia, and deformed ear reconstruction. He is a highly skilled and experienced surgeon and delivers his patients with consistent results. Dr. Parag Telang completed his fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Francoise Firmin, a leading ear reconstruction surgeon practicing in Paris, France.
What is the ideal age to go for microtia surgery?
The optimal time for rebuilding an external ear using autogenous rib cartilage is 9-15 years of age.
Clinic Timings (IST)
Monday to Saturday : 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM | Sunday Closed.
Disclaimer: The content on this website (www.designerbodyzcentre.com) is solely for the purpose of educating and creating awareness about the domain i.e. plastic surgery. This shall not be treated as a substitute to a professional plastic surgeon's advice or prescription. Every individual and their case is different, so the results of any of the treatments mentioned on the website may vary.
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