Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
Frequently Asked Questions about Microtia Surgery What Is Microtia? Microtia is a congenital ear deformity that is seen in one out of 50007000 births world over and in different ethnic races on the basis of varying statistics. Microtia presents itself mainly in three different ways. In Grade 4 microtia, which is the most severe form, there is no external ear at all. In typical or Grade 3 microtia, the ear resembles a wrinkle of skin that is sausage-shaped. Grade 2 microtia is less severe, where the appearance is like a small ear. In Grade 1 microtia, the ear is only minimally deformed. In the majority of cases, microtia affects only one side and is seen more often in boys than girls. Why Microtia Surgery? Microtia surgery is an effective solution for a child born with abnormal ears and hearing impairment. The surgery restores a more natural facial appearance and thereby helps to improve the child’s self esteem. Who Are Good Candidates for the Surgery? • Healthy children who don’t
have
any
untreated chronic ear infections
or
life-
threatening illness
Microtia
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
• Cooperative children who can follow the instructions well • Children who have the ability of communicating their feelings and don’t voice objection while discussing about the microtia surgery. How Is Microtia Surgery Carried Out? The surgery is carried out in two major phases. In the first, rib cartilage is taken from the child’s body and shaped into the form of a natural ear. The cartilage is placed under the skin in the natural position of the ear. The skin will slowly assume the shape of the cartilage and develop into a normal looking ear. The second phase of the surgery is carried out around four months after the first stage when the ear has completely healed and can withstand another surgery. In this stage, the ear is lifted to a more natural position using a small block of cartilage and grafted skin. What Makes the Surgery Unique? This surgery is highly individual just like the individual and delicate anatomy of the ear. The ear axis, the ear size, the angle of protrusion and the positioning on the head are thoroughly analyzed. There are techniques specially tailored for precisely correcting the features that are deformed or disproportionate. An individualized surgical plan is used by microtia plastic surgeons for microtia reconstruction. Multiple procedures may be involved in this plastic surgery for achieving desired results. The main goal is the creation of a normal looking external ear.
Microtia
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
However, a combination of an ear reconstruction and other surgery may be used for improving hearing. How to Care for the Ear after the Microtia Surgery? To keep the surgical site clean, dressings or bandages may be applied. This is also done for protecting it from trauma and for supporting the new position of the ear. Specific instructions have to be followed post surgery. These instructions include: • Caring for the surgical site • Keeping dressings or bandages intact • Medications for healing and reducing the risk of infections What to Expect after the Surgery? It is normal to experience discomfort immediately after microtia surgery. However, it can be controlled with pain medications. An itchy feeling may also be experienced under the bandages. The bandages should be intact and shouldn’t be removed for any reason. One can return to normal activities a few days after the surgery. Parents must see to it that their children are not involved in any aggressive or rough play until the ear is healed completely. The dressing can be removed 5 to 7 days after the surgery. Then, the stitches would be removed and the surgical wound will be cleansed.
Microtia
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Call: 713-791-0700
Contact Details Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery 6400 Fannin Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 Phone: 713-791-0700 Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/plastic-surgeriesarticles/frequently-asked-questions-about-microtia-surgery-6053371.html
Microtia