Ear reconstruction is an invasive procedure that is usually done after a massive trauma to the ears or mainly due to genetic defects. Although the results are not guaranteed, once a healthy ear is achieved, a person usually experiences a higher level of self confidence as well as self-esteem.
Some people having genetic defects on their ears are having a missing part or just a portion of it. This can be very obvious because the ears are seriously missing or deformed. Oftentimes, it can be a problem to the person, physically and psychologically.
The fact that ears is missing and lost; it can be a source of humiliation and diminished self confidence. However, with the latest innovations these days, it is possible to have a new ear. Ear reconstruction by means of a plastic surgery can be done by a licensed surgeon. Results will be great as ears will be placed on the person.
Ear reconstruction has been experimented by plastic surgeons for quite a long time. There are a lot of things to consider and overcome when doing this particular surgery. It can be a lengthy surgery as it will require several preparation and thorough surgical work. Thus, only few plastic surgeons take a risk to do this procedure.
Goals of Ear Reconstruction
Plastic surgeons are often faced with a challenge on creating an ear that looks natural. Ears have special cartilage on it and it is composed primarily with skin therefore, surgeons must be able to obtain it at the best source. The cartilage found on the ear is usually thin and soft compared to other cartilages found in the body. Moreover, the skin is also flexible, soft and hairless.
Surgeons should find the right amount of ear replacement material anywhere in the body in order to rebuild the missing or lost ear. In addition to that, the shape of the reconstructed ear should also look like the real one so that the person who will be having it will live normally just like any other person. With this, surgeons take images on the unaffected ear and attempt to make one that is exactly the same with it.
The skin that will be used for rebuilding the ear is obtained from the arms or legs of the person and the cartilage will be coming from the ribs. It is a responsibility of the surgeon to obtain the right quantities of cartilage and skin in order to be placed on the targeted ear area. Aside from that, the skin should be pulled back with proper care so that there will be a space for the donor’s material.
The entire ear reconstruction procedure takes hours and requires a number of stages before it will become successful. The healing process will also take months and it can be painful on the part of the patient. Meanwhile, the effects may not be fully visible on the first few months but years after, he/she will enjoy the benefits of having a new ear. Ear reconstruction should only be done on the best plastic surgeon.