Ear Reconstruction Chicago
Ear reconstruction is the term given to any surgical procedure that treats ear deformities, whether malformed from birth, underdeveloped during life, or caused by trauma. The goal of ear reconstruction is to create an ear shape that looks as natural as possible, restoring balance and symmetry to the face.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR EAR RECONSTRUCTION?
The correction of malformed ears can have enormous benefits on self-esteem, confidence, and appearance. You may be a candidate for ear reconstruction if you suffer from microtia (congenital underdeveloped or missing ears) or have sustained injury to the ears through trauma.
Ear reconstruction is commonly performed on children with underdeveloped ears; the procedure can be carried out as early as seven years old, giving the opposite ear adequate time to reach nearly adult size.
Candidates for ear reconstruction should be generally healthy, non-smokers, and not have chronic medical conditions that cause impairment of the healing process.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION
Ear reconstruction is an individualized process according to each patient’s aesthetic goals. During a consultation at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we walk you through every step of the procedure, review the associated risks, and discuss recovery. We thoroughly review your medical history, including known allergies, current medications, and past surgeries.
HOW EAR RECONSTRUCTION IS PERFORMED
There are multiple techniques associated with ear reconstruction, including prosthetics, but the most common approach is autologous ear reconstruction, which is a method that involves crafting a new ear shape out of the patient’s own rib cartilage.
After a general anesthetic is administered, incisions are made in the chest and cartilage from several ribs is carefully removed. The cartilage is then precisely shaped to create an ear framework, which is then surgically inserted beneath the scalp.
This technique usually requires two to three surgeries to complete; after the healing process is complete, subsequent surgeries involve elevating the ear away from the scalp, repositioning the ear lobe, and other necessary adjustments to ensure the appearance is as natural as possible.
A major benefit to the autologous ear reconstruction approach is that it uses the body’s own tissue and cartilage and does not involve any foreign substances. Not only does this decrease the risk of infection, but also the patient does not have to have it replaced and the risk of the body rejecting the reconstructed ear is minimal.
RECOVERY AFTER EAR RECONSTRUCTION
Discomfort and some amount of pain are normal after ear surgery. Patients will be given medication to ensure comfort. Bandages should remain intact until removed by your surgeon, and patients should avoid any contact with the ears as they heal.
Multiple surgeries are usually required for complete ear reconstruction. Patients can expect approximately six months of recovery before the next stage can be performed.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF EAR RECONSTRUCTION
Autologous ear reconstruction uses tissue from the patient’s own body, reducing the risk of infection. However, there are potential risks involved in any surgical procedure. The risks most commonly associated with ear reconstruction surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (blood clot)
- Skin discoloration
- Change in skin sensation
- Infection
- Scarring
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we take every measure possible to prevent any potential complication from arising. Patients can further minimize risks by adhering strictly to all instructions given by their plastic surgeon.
WHAT DOES EAR RECONSTRUCTION COST?
The cost of ear reconstruction is going to vary according to location, surgeon, surgical center, and individualized treatment plan. However, as a reconstructive procedure, your health insurance coverage may pay for some or even all of the cost of surgery. Be sure to talk with your health insurance provider before scheduling a consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago is equally committed to patient education and excellent patient care. If you have any questions about ear reconstruction and how it is performed, please schedule a consultation. We will perform a full facial evaluation and tailor a treatment plan that is right for you and your aesthetic goals.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
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As the seasons change, so should your skincare! Fall is all about keeping your skin hydrated as the air gets cooler and drier. Here’s a go-to fall skincare routine you can reference when swapping out your summer products to help your skin thrive: 🍂
1. Start with a hydrating cleanser
2. Use a toner to remove any excess dirt, oil, makeup, and residue
3. Incorporate a gentle retinol
4. Boost brightness with a Vitamin-C serum
5. Swap your lightweight moisturizer for a richer, thicker formula
6. Don’t skip the SPF (yes, even in fall!)
7. Take care of your lips with a nourishing lip balm
8. Moisturize your hands with a thick hand cream
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This is a 3 month follow-up for an otoplasty or ear pinning procedure. The patient was bothered by how far his ears projected forward and how his ears were a major focus of his appearance. In the post-operative photos, the ears have been re-positioned in a more aesthetic and natural way. The patient’s facial features now become the focal point of his appearance and not the ears. A relatively simple yet powerful procedure. Posted with permission.
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This is a 2 year follow-up revision rhinoplasty case. The patient had had 2 prior rhinoplasties in the past and was bothered by the nasal deviation, the dorsal hump, and the under-rotated and under-projected tip. In the post-operative views, you can see the nose is straighter, symmetric dorsal aesthetic lines have been established, the dorsal hump was removed, and the tip was elevated and rotated. It’s amazing how a more symmetric and proportional nose improves the balance and overall aesthetics of the face. Posted with permission.
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This is a great example of how buccal fat removal changes the face. Buccal fat removal involves removing fat from the lower cheeks and the purpose is to narrow the lower 1/3 of the face. With removal of the buccal fat pad, the face appears less round and more angular or V-shaped. Buccal fat removal was popularized and trending during the pandemic, however, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Ideal candidates are younger patients in their 20-30’s with a rounder face, and excess volume of the lower cheeks. As we age, the face loses volume and therefore patients in their 40’s plus may not be good candidates. An article in our journal from 2021, The Role of Buccal Fat Pad in Facial Aesthetic Surgery, by Drs. Rohrich and Stuzin, highlighted that this procedure can be beneficial in certain patients but if over resected or performed in the wrong patient, can lead to premature aging and midface distortion. Posted with permission.
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How important is the chin in a rhinoplasty case? This patient’s results show how important the nose-chin relationship is for a balanced and proportional profile. This patient had a crooked nose, a prominent dorsal hump, and a very deficient chin. After straightening her nose, removing the dorsal hump, lifting and refining the tip, and performing a sliding genioplasty; look how much her profile has changed aesthetically for the better.
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Thinking about getting a rhinoplasty? Here are some things you should know before getting this procedure!
1. Are you physically and mentally ready for a rhinoplasty and recovery process?
2. Can you articulate what your rhinoplasty goals are and are they realistic?
3. Have you found the right surgeon and practice to get you where you want to be?
If you have any questions, leave them down below!
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In facial feminization surgery, a common question we get is how do we contour the forehead and orbital rim. There are two main techniques that craniofacial surgeons utilize. A type 1 technique is where we use a burr or shaving device to shave and contour the bone to set it back or make it less prominent. To be a good candidate for this technique, one would have to have thick bone, a smaller frontal sinus, and less frontal bossing. A type 3 technique is where we use a saw to cut off the outer part of the frontal sinus bone, shave down the forehead and then replace the bone with titanium plates and screws. Good candidates for this procedure are patients with thin bone of the frontal sinus, a large frontal sinus and significant frontal bossing. We determine which technique would best achieve a patient’s goals through a clinical exam and a CT scan. Posted with permission. Videos are educational.
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Is it a good night’s sleep, filler, or surgery? These patients underwent a lower blepharoplasty procedure, and in the post-operative photos, you can see an improvement in the contour of the lower eyelids, no more bags, and reduced dark circles. The results? A brighter, more youthful, and refreshed appearance. Posted with permission.
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