Traumatic Ear Loss Treatment In India
Ears can get injured or traumatized at any life instance or even appear deformed since birth. The trauma can cause damage to any part of the ear (inner, middle, or external) including the ear canal (in some cases).
Partial or complete traumatic ear loss is often caused by motor accidents or falls, playing contact sports like wrestling and rugby, accidental amputation of the ear by sharp elements, or dog bites. In some cases, people may have a congenital ear defect/deformity called microtia or small ear. However, other causes include human bite after an alcohol-related assault, interpersonal violence like acid attack, heat or chemical burns, and cancer surgery (involving removal of the affected portions of the ear). There are even cases of ear loss because of punishment given to adults for army desertion.
The loss of a fully-sized external ear can result in significant psychological distress in the affected person. A great impact can even be there on the individual’s career, social interactions, and personal relations. With traumatic ear reconstruction surgery in India performed at Designer Bodyz by Dr. Parag Telang one can regain his/her confidence with the new natural-looking ear.
For post-traumatic ear injuries, the first action must be to ensure that the injured person is healthy. This is possible by minimizing the damage and complications that may arise in the deformed part of the ear.
- Headache
- Ear pain or ache that can be severe
- Pus discharge from the ear
- Bleeding of the ear
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Ringing or buzz sound in the ear (a condition called tinnitus)
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Some traumatic injuries (such as cauliflower ear) can be treated by suturing and sterilization methods.
- If blood is pooled in the external ears, then the surgeon may cut and drain it out.
- Some minor damages like torn cartilages or deep cuts in the ear can be repaired by using sutures or surgical glue.
- But if the trauma has affected the outer ear shape and damaged the ear canal too, a full ear reconstruction surgery is needed.
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Preparation for the surgery
Before the ear reconstruction, the surgeon first conducts a complete physical examination of the patients, reviews their medical history, and gets their hearing tests done.
The 2-stages of ear reconstruction with rib cartilage - Ear reconstruction using the rib cartilage of the patient is the optimal treatment option but a complex one among plastic surgeries for traumatic ear loss. The rib cartilage is preferred for ear reconstruction because it resists infection and can never be rejected by the body. Nearly all cases of traumatic ear reconstruction surgery are carried out in two phases that are explained in detail below:
During the first stage of the surgery, the rib cartilage is taken out through a chest incision and a three-dimensional framework of the missing/ damaged portion of the ear is meticulously carved out of it by the surgeon. The newly sculpted ear framework is positioned underneath the skin in the place where the ear should be and where a new skin layer is formed after some time. Drainage tubes are also placed in the operated area so that excessive blood and other fluids are taken out.
After 6 months of the healing period, the second stage of the surgery is performed. In the second operation, the surgeon elevates the new ear from underneath the skin and grafts the new skin to create a new 3D ear that projects from the side of the head and looks natural.
- Individuals having completely developed ears damaged by trauma wish to restore craniofacial balance by creating symmetrical, long-lasting, aesthetically-pleasing pinna (external ear).
- Individuals aged above 8 years with enough rib cartilage to carry out reconstruction.
- Healthy people without any life-threatening ailments or chronic ear infections that could affect healing.
- Children who can communicate their feelings and do not voice objections while surgery is discussed by the surgeon. Cooperative children follow the surgeon's instructions very well which is crucial for recovery.
- Those who have a positive outlook and realistic expectations from the surgery.
- Avoid or discontinue the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners, and Vitamin E or herbal supplements for two weeks before the surgery.
- Refrain from smoking tobacco or nicotine for at least 2 weeks beforehand as it can delay healing and cause scarring.
- Keep the ears sun-protected by wearing sunscreens and caps/hats to avoid sun damage.
- On the day of surgery, arrive at the hospital with valuables at home (no jewelry) and no make-up. Avoid wearing slipover clothing.
- Dr. Parag Telang is an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in performing ear reconstruction surgeries. He has also founded ‘The Microtia Trust’, an organization that aims to provide aid to kids with microtia and their poor families through surgical treatment.
- Designer Bodyz, the most trusted cosmetic surgery center in Mumbai (India) established by Dr. Parag Telang is well equipped to carry out various surgical procedures. So far Dr. Parag has operated on 500+ patients and has helped them get a normal looking ear through ear reconstruction surgery with rib cartilage.
- The team of experts at Designer Bodyz is committed to providing specialized, and compassionate care to all the patients, and helping them not only look but feel like the best version of themselves by providing the best guidance and treatment through every step, from initial consultation to post-surgical follow-up.
- After 2-3 days of the surgery, do not miss the removal of the absorptive dressing.
- Keep the head dry and avoid taking a head bath until the surgeon allows. Usually, after 2 weeks the ear and head can be washed gently.
- Do not sleep on the operated side to avoid putting pressure on the new reconstructed ear.
- Wear only taped-up glasses that do not rest on the incision.
- Do not go swimming for at least 4-6 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercises, weight training, athletic activities, and even sexual intercourse for at least 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is cartilage the most recommended technique for ear reconstruction?
The gold standard material recommended for ear reconstruction has been cartilage. There are many reasons why cartilage is the most used technique because there is no material in existence that can compare to a patient’s own living tissue. The ear is also made out of cartilage, making the rib cartilage the best material to reproduce a new ear. Using the patient’s own cartilage, there is much less risk of rejection or infection as the cartilage is from the patient’s own body.
How long is the incision made for cartilage removal in the chest area?
The average size of the incision to remove the cartilage is very small and this will approximately be about 2.5 to 3 cm. Ear reconstruction surgery is one of the most challenging plastic surgery procedures. This surgery is quite complicated because this is related to the complex shape of the ear, which has been created to make it look natural.
Dr. Parag Telang is a well-known cosmetic and plastic surgeon who performs ear surgery in Mumbai (India) at Designer Bodyz. He is a well-trained professional in this state-of-the-art surgery. The cost of ear surgery in India varies widely depending upon the type of ear surgery and the purpose of the surgery.
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