It isn’t one of the more commonly talked about medical procedures, but
ear reconstruction serves an important function for people who need it.
Here are just some of those reasons and some of the conditions that can
be corrected by the procedure.
The procedure itself can be done in a myriad of ways, depending on the
deformity it is aiming to correct and the doctor who is bringing his
own expertise and technique to the surgery. The reasons an individual
might need corrective surgery vary even more widely than the techniques
used. Here are just some of those reasons and some of the conditions
that can be corrected by the procedure.
There are those who have congenital deformities which plague them from
birth. In many cases, this deformity is known as microtia, which can
range in severity from person to person. In some people, the deformity
is so slight they may never choose to have ear reconstruction done at
all. In others, so severe that it could result in them having a
complete lack of tissue. In the more extreme cases, the procedure must
be done at as early an age as possible to avoid future hearing problems
as well as the self esteem issues that can easily arise with such a
problem.
Of course, not all individuals in need of ear reconstruction were born
with deformity. Problems with the appearance of the ear can result from
a number of causes, one of which is burns. Disfigurement in a fire
could cause the cartilage to become inflamed, causing not only cosmetic
disfigurement, but also issues that can result in the loss of hearing.
In many cases, surgery to correct these issues involves taking tissue
and cartilage from those areas of the ear that were unaffected by the
fire, if such exists.
In addition to fire, there are several forms of trauma that can lead to
the need for ear reconstruction. The list is nearly endless but can
include gradual trauma (such as a wrestler’s cauliflower ear) or
immediate trauma such as an animal attack, an intense fight, or a car
accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor may be able
to do partial or complete restoration of the ear, minimizing the
effects of the problem.
Of course, there are many other reasons why an individual may be able
to benefit from ear reconstruction. If you feel you may be one of these
people, set up an appointment with a qualified surgeon near you and
learn what you can about their procedures and what they may be able to
do to help you.
