Ear reconstruction is a reconstructive operation that treats microtia, a congenital condition in which the outer ear is small, underdeveloped or absent, sometimes together with a problem of the ear canal or hearing. The aim is to create an outer ear of suitable shape and position after careful assessment by the treating team.
The surgery is usually staged over several operations under general anaesthesia. One established method builds a framework from the patient's own rib cartilage, covers it with skin and refines it in later stages. Another uses a porous synthetic framework, and an external prosthetic ear may be considered as an alternative, depending on the patient's situation and the team's advice.
The reconstruction often needs two or more stages separated by months, and hospital stay depends on the stage. The ear must be protected from pressure for several weeks and dressings are kept as instructed. The shape improves gradually, and the final result usually becomes clear after all stages are complete and several months have passed.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
Bilgehan İlker completed his medical education at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine and specialized in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Dokuz Eylül University. He has performed hundreds of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures and has participated in academic research projects supported by TÜBİTAK. Dr. İlker is also an active member of national and international plastic surgery societies.
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It may provide an outer ear with a more natural shape, improve appearance and self-confidence, and allow glasses to be worn. It does not improve hearing by itself, which needs separate assessment and treatment.
A good candidate has microtia or partial or complete absence of the outer ear and is fit for surgery. Rib cartilage surgery is usually delayed until the child is old enough for there to be sufficient cartilage, and the treating team decides the timing.
The team carries out a full assessment including hearing and the ear canal, and may request imaging. The stages of treatment and their limits are explained to the family or patient. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own; ask your doctor first.
Pieces of rib cartilage are taken and carved into an ear framework, which is placed under the skin in the right position. Later stages lift the ear away from the head and refine its details. A different method uses a porous framework covered with the patient's own tissue.
Dressings and protection from pressure and knocks are needed, and there can be pain at the chest donor site, swelling and bruising. Restrictions on activity and sport are set by the treating team.
The result becomes clear after all stages are complete and swelling has settled, which can take months. An ear built from the patient's own cartilage often lasts well, but it may need revisions and will not match the normal ear exactly.
They include infection, poor skin blood supply, exposure or loss of the framework, distorted shape or asymmetry, and thick scars. Taking rib cartilage may cause chest pain or chest wall deformity, and rarely a serious collapsed lung. Further operations may be needed.
Yes. Scars remain around the ear and at the chest donor site; they usually improve with time but do not disappear. The surgeon discusses their expected position beforehand.
This depends on the stage, and waiting about one to two weeks is usually advised, with care to protect the ear. The treating doctor confirms the right time.
Alternatives include an external prosthetic ear attached with adhesive or magnets, or simple observation. The treating team discusses the options and their timing with the family or patient.
