Question
How is surgery performed for pediatric external ear deformities if there is no ear canal?
Answer
For pediatric external ear deformities, the best time for surgery is between the ages of six to seven, ideally before starting school. At this age, the size of the child’s earlobes is approximately 70% of an adult’s, allowing for minimal difference in appearance between the reconstructed earlobe and the normal side. This helps prevent teasing by classmates after starting school. The current surgical method typically involves a 2-stage process. The first stage is the insertion of a skin expander behind the ear, which requires watering once a week, and this stage lasts for about two months. After that, the expander is maintained for over a month to stabilize the expanded flap. The second stage involves inserting an earlobe implant. There are two types of earlobe implants: those carved from autologous rib cartilage and medpor implants. Autologous rib cartilage implants have better tissue compatibility but leave a scar in the chest where the cartilage is taken.