There are several methods available for ear reconstruction in children with microtia, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. At Texas Children’s, we most commonly reconstruct ears using the patient’s own tissue. This can be accomplished in one of two ways – an autologous reconstruction, which uses rib tissue that is carved to form a new ear, or an alloplastic reconstruction, in which an ear-shaped prosthetic is covered with the patient’s own tissue and skin.
There is a low risk of complications for both methods. Reconstructed ears are resistant to trauma and everyday activities. External ear reconstruction can begin as early as 3 years old for alloplastic reconstruction and nine to ten for autologous.
Deciding which reconstructive technique is a personal one that each family must make together. At Texas Children’s Hospital, we wish to provide you with the information and experts to make this decision as easy as possible.
Our dedicated team of ENTs and Plastic Surgeons will evaluate every case together and work closely with each family to develop the best path forward.
Ear Prosthetics
For the most severe cases and when there is no tissue available for use, the use of a prosthetic ear is another option. Our team will work with an outside prosthetist to make the ear, then the procedure to attach the ear will occur at Texas Children’s.
