At Blue Illusion, we offer corrective ear plastic surgery for all ear deformities ranging from congenital deformities to traumatic injuries to the ear. Our surgeon, Dr. Mehta, is an expert in ear-related surgeries and participates in missions around the world (www.mmfc.org) performing reconstructive surgery for ear deformities.
Prominent Ears
The most common deformity of the ear that both children and adults desire correction of is overly protruding or prominent ears. This condition may affect one or both ears. The correction of prominent ears requires a precise analysis of the cartilaginous structure of the ear and understanding of the cartilaginous deformity contributing to the excess projection of the ear. The ear may be protruding to poor development of the antihelical fold, excessive conchal bowl prominence, or both. During your consultation, Dr. Mehta will carefully analyze your ears and make precise measurements to determine the type of corrective surgery that would be required.
In children and in cases requiring multiple cartilage maneuvers, otoplasty surgery is performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Surgery typically takes 1.5 – 2 hours to perform. For many adult patients, Dr. Mehta offers a simple, in-office, incisionless otoplasty that can be performed under local anesthesia. Otoplasty surgery is very well tolerated, whether it is performed in the office or operating room. Postoperative pain is managed easily with oral analgesics and antibiotics are provided to prevent infection. A pressure dressing is applied and postoperative instructions are carefully reviewed by Dr. Mehta with every patient.
Microtia / Atresia
Congenital microtia and congenital aural atresia are conditions resulting from abnormal development of the ear. Microtia refers to abnormal development of the auricle – in classic (Grade III) microtia, there is a skin tag remnant present instead of the auricle. Aural atresia refers to abnormal development of the ear canal and results in a complete conductive hearing loss. Microtia and atresia are commonly seen together. The vast majority of cases are unilateral with bilateral microtia representing a small minority of cases.
Reconstruction for microtia / atresia is typically undertaken starting at the age of six when the child is of school age. The reconstruction for microtia is typically accomplished in stages:
- Stage 1: Rib graft harvest and contouring of the new auricle based on a template from the normal ear (or representative ear in cases of bilateral microtia) – the cartilage framework for the new ear is buried in a pocket created under the skin
- Stage 2: Lobule transfer – creation of the ear lobe
- Stage 3: Creation of the post- auricular sulcus – the ear is lifted from the side of the head and a skin graft is used to line the posterior surface of the new auricle. Atresia reconstruction (creation of a new ear canal and restoration of hearing) can be done at this stage as well if the child is a candidate for atresia reconstruction.
- Stage 4: Creation of the tragus / deepening of the conchal bowl
Dr. Mehta is uniquely trained to perform both microtia reconstruction as well as atresia repair given his advanced fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otology / Neurotology. Dr. Mehta is trained in both the Brent technique as well as the more recently described Nagata technique of auricular reconstruction. Dr. Mehta also offers the MedPor single stage microtia reconstruction with atresia repair allowing for the earliest possible reconstruction for your child. Dr. Mehta also participates in an annual medical mission to Guatemala and Peru (www.mmfc.org) to perform reconstructive microtia surgery.
Earlobe Surgery
Blue Illusion Beauty offers reduction surgery for the excessively large earlobes or repair of split earlobes that may result from prolonged use of heavy earrings. Many different techniques are available for corrective surgery to provide your ears the most natural and proportionate appearance, and to provide you with a harmonious look to your face. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Mehta is needed to select the best course of therapy for you. Ear plastic surgery is performed as a simple, office-based procedure under local anesthesia and is very well tolerated.