The ears are an important part of the human body that provide the ability to hear. Any defects of malformations in the external ears are easily noticeable and may impact the ability to hear. This condition is termed as microtia. To improve the aesthetics of the facial appearance undergo microtia surgery. Here in this blog, Dr. Parag Telang, a famous surgeon for microtia in USA has answered frequently asked questions about microtia that can help one to get more insights on this procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Microtia
1. What is microtia?
Microtia refers to an incomplete or incorrectly developed ear. It derives from the Greek “micro” (tiny) and “otia” (ear). It can affect one or both ears. A few people may develop microtia as part of a condition known as craniofacial (or hemifacial) microsomia. This issue may also include a small jaw and weakening of some of the facial muscles on the affected side. Treacher-Collins syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the eyes and facial bones, may also be associated with microtia.
2. What are the different types of microtia?
Microtia is classified into four different grades:
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- Grade I: A smaller version of a normal-sized ear with the same anatomical features as a typical-sized ear, including a small but present external ear canal.
- Grade II: A partially developed outer ear with extremely small or narrow ear canals. The ear canals may be extremely thin or closed (canal stenosis), resulting in conductive hearing loss.
- Grade III: A lack of the external ear with a little peanut-shaped structure (some cartilage with primarily ear lobe) and the lack of the external ear canal and ear drum (aural atresia).
- Grade IV: Anotia is the absence of the entire ear.
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3. How prevalent is microtia?
Microtia occurs in around one in every 6,000 births. The chance of an affected parent passing this on to the child is normally low (less than 6%); however, some families possess a gene for microtia.
4. What causes microtia?
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- Microtia occurs when the embryo’s ear does not develop properly.
- The abnormalities are thought to be caused by an anomaly in the blood vessel that supplies the area surrounding the ear in the embryo. This is still unclear, and no one understands what is causing it.
- It can sometimes be caused by an inherited defect, but more typically it is a single event that the child with microtia will not pass on to their children.
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5. What procedure is involved?
There are three procedures to reconstruct a new ear: using tissue from the patient’s own body (autogenous reconstruction), synthetic materials (alloplastic reconstruction), or a combination of both.
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- Autogenous reconstruction includes creating a new ear from the patient’s rib cartilage and placing it beneath the skin on the side of the scalp where the ear should have been. The normally present ear lobe is placed in its regular position. An additional procedure is required to elevate the ear from the side of the head and form the groove behind the ear using a skin graft. One can get this surgery done with the best ear surgeon in USA, Dr. Parag Telang. He has performed this surgery on countless children and adults and has helped them with a new ear.
- An alloplastic reconstruction can include either a plastic clip-on ear (osseointegrated prosthesis) that joins to surgically placed studs in the bone on the side of the head or the use of Medpor (porous polyethylene), which is placed under the skin in a similar manner to rib cartilage in an autogenous reconstruction. A child may undergo surgery to pin back the second ear so that it more closely matches the restored one.
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6. When is it best to have the surgery?
Ear reconstruction can be performed as early as the age of six; however, it is frequently delayed until the child wants surgery (8–10 years old). At this point, the rib cartilage is large and sturdy enough to be appropriately cut into an ear. Some children are not conscious of their ear deformity and never want a reconstruction; therefore, the child must participate in any decision about surgery.
7. How does microtia affect a child?
Microtia affects only the outer ear. It is frequently accompanied by atresia (the absence of an ear canal, which is often associated with hearing loss), hemifacial microsomia (where one side of the face has a shorter jaw bone, pulling the face slightly upward), or other associated syndromes or genetic characteristics such as Treacher Collins or Goldenhar Syndrome. However, microtia does not affect a child’s intellectual ability, motor skills, or chances of living a normal life.
8. What are some of the myths about Microtia?
Myth: Microtia is a medical disorder.
Fact: No, microtia is not a medical condition, virus, or contagion. One can’t acquire microtia from anyone or from visiting a foreign country. It is a congenital malformation that occurs naturally.
Myth: Microtia is caused by taking fertility medications like Clomid (Clomiphene).
Fact: There is no proof that fertility medications cause microtia.
Myth: Microtia can be caused by drinking specific types of milk.
Fact: No evidence drinking any form of milk can cause microtia. No evidence eating or drinking anything from the environment can cause microtia.
9. How can rib cartilage surgery fix Microtia?
The goal of surgery is to give the deformed ear the best shape and function possible. A child could not have reconstructive ear canal surgery. Some families opt not to go through surgery. Surgery for microtia is typically simpler in older children since there is more cartilage available to graft.
Rib cartilage surgery is the excision of rib cartilage from a child’s chest and its reconstruction to form the shape of an ear. It is then inserted beneath the skin in the area where the ear would have been.
After the new cartilage has completely absorbed into the area, additional procedures and skin grafts may be performed to improve ear position. The transplanted rib cartilage will also feel firmer and stiffer than the ear cartilage.
10. What makes Dr. Parag Telang the best Microtia surgeon?
Dr. Parag Telang is a world-renowned Microtia surgeon. He has expertise in treating all grades of Microtia. Dr. Parag Telang is the best ear surgeon for microtia in USA. He performs microtia surgery in children with missing or partial ears or a traumatic loss of an ear. Patients visit him from all over the world to get the benefits of his innovative approach to treatment. He is a highly skilled and experienced surgeon and offers excellent results to their patients which makes him the best microtia surgeon.
The Microtia Trust is the best clinic for microtia correction in India:
The Microtia Trust is the best clinic for microtia correction that offers a wide range of treatments for ear deformities to those who are suffering from microtia, or other ear deformities. This center offers the utmost care to microtia patients with outstanding results that improve their quality of life. The Microtia Trust has successfully delivered excellent results to 400+ patients around the world.
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