Microtia Treatment Options

Microtia is a medical term for ear deformities that are apparent at birth. When a defect shows up at birth, it is referred to as a congenital issue. There are various levels of deformity which may be present in this classification, ranging from mild to severe. It most often appears in male infants and usually occurs on the right side. Although most parents are very distressed when their child is born with this malady, there are surgical remedies that can improve the appearance to a great degree. Here are some things to think about:

- Only ten percent of occurrences show up in both ears. It usually occurs in one ear and most often on the right side.
- Hearing is usually normal in the child as this functionality develops at a different time in utero. The middle and outer regions are the portions with the defect and these parts do not affect hearing. The inner ear is the section where deafness would occur and this remains normal.
- Doctors aren’t sure what causes microtia in a newborn child. There are varying theories including that blood supply was restricted during pregnancy, that it pertains to genetic predisposition or prescription drugs. Possible medications which are suspect include Accutane, Thalidomide or Retinoic Acid. Toxic environmental substances may also be to blame such as a variety of chemicals which the mother may have been exposed to.
- There are four varying levels of severity in this malady, Ranging from grade 1 which is the mildest to the most severe which is also called Anotia.
- Anotia sufferers are born with no outer ear apparent on the side of the head. The inner portion responsible for hearing is still normal even in this harshest form.
- Grade 1 means that the appendages are merely too small for the head size and look out of proportion.
- In grade 2, the external sections did not fully form and appear only partially developed.
- In level 3, a slender section of skin with an ear lobe has developed but not into normalcy.
- Reconstructive operations can rebuild this body part into one that looks fairly normal. Bone reconstruction and hearing aids may be necessary beginning in young childhood.
- These reconstructive procedures are often performed in several stages.
- It is best to begin this process when a child is at a young age. The earlier a child achieves a reconstructed look, the less his or her self esteem will suffer as he or she grows up. Some techniques may be started at 3 years old; others must wait till 6 or 8 years old.
- Sometimes a portion of the patient’s bone and cartilage from the rib cage is used to replace the components that are missing due to microtia. This rib bone and cartilage are sculpted into the appropriate size and shape for the purpose. Because it comes from the patient’s body, there is less chance of rejection.
- Plastic implants may be used in place of bone and can be a simpler approach that takes fewer steps.
- If other options have failed, a prosthetic may be used as an alternative.

Not every physician can treat this malady with the same level of success. If a parent of a child born with microtia is seeking treatment, it would be wise to seek out a reconstructive plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure.