Microtia is a condition present at birth in which the outer ear is small, misshapen or absent. It is usually on one side and is often accompanied by a narrow or closed ear canal, so hearing on that side is affected. The ear can also be lost or badly damaged later in life through trauma, burns or cancer surgery.
Ear Reconstruction recreates the shape of the outer ear. Hearing is assessed and managed separately with an ENT surgeon and audiologist, so the overall plan covers both appearance and hearing.
Who Ear Reconstruction Is For
- Children born with Microtia (grade II–III) or anotia, once they are old enough for reconstruction.
- Adults with untreated Microtia.
- Adults and children who have lost part or all of the ear through injury, burns, animal bite or removal of a skin cancer.
- Patients with an unsatisfactory earlier reconstruction who want a revision opinion.
How the Ear Is Reconstructed
The standard technique uses the patient's own rib cartilage. Cartilage is taken from the chest, carved into a framework that mirrors the other ear, and placed under the skin where the ear should be. In a second stage some months later, the framework is lifted away from the head and a skin graft is used to create the groove behind the ear so it projects like the normal side.
Reconstruction with the patient's own cartilage is usually done from about 8–10 years of age, when the chest is large enough to provide the cartilage and the child can take part in the decision. An alternative using a porous polyethylene implant covered by a tissue flap can be considered in selected cases; the choice depends on age, the other ear, the available skin and the family's preferences, and is discussed in detail at consultation.
For ears lost to injury or cancer, the same principles apply, but the plan depends on how much of the ear and surrounding skin remains. Partial losses can sometimes be repaired in a single operation.
Hearing and the Wider Team
Children with Microtia should have a hearing assessment early in life, and a bone-conduction hearing aid may be recommended long before Ear Reconstruction is possible. Where the ear canal is closed, the decision about canal surgery is made with the ENT surgeon and is sequenced around the reconstruction so that neither compromises the other.
Dr Vybhav Deraje plans Ear Reconstruction with the ENT and audiology team, drawing on his craniofacial fellowship training at the Australian Craniofacial Unit, Adelaide.
Anaesthesia, Hospital Stay and Recovery
Each stage is done under general anaesthesia with a short hospital stay. The chest wound from cartilage harvest is the most uncomfortable part of the first stage and settles over one to two weeks. A dressing protects the new ear for the first weeks, and contact sports and pressure on the ear are avoided for several months.
The reconstructed ear continues to settle for a year or more. Minor refinements are sometimes offered once it has matured.
Limitations to Understand
A reconstructed ear is made from cartilage and skin graft and will not be identical to the normal ear; the aim is a natural-looking ear of similar size and position. It does not itself improve hearing. The chest leaves a scar, and there is a small risk of infection, skin breakdown over the framework or cartilage absorption, any of which can need further surgery. These points are discussed openly before any decision is made.
Need More Information?
Call +91 95355 81616, email connect@drvybhavderaje.com or book an appointment online .
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can Microtia be corrected?
Reconstruction with the child's own rib cartilage is usually planned from about 8–10 years of age, when enough cartilage is available and the child can take part in the decision. Hearing assessment and a bone-conduction aid, where needed, start much earlier.
How many operations does Ear Reconstruction need?
Rib-cartilage reconstruction is usually done in two stages a few months apart: the first creates and places the cartilage framework, the second lifts the ear away from the head with a skin graft. Occasional refinements may follow.
Will Ear Reconstruction improve my child's hearing?
No. Reconstruction recreates the outer ear only. Hearing is managed separately with the ENT surgeon and audiologist, usually with a hearing aid and sometimes with ear canal surgery sequenced around the reconstruction.
Can an ear lost in an accident or after cancer surgery be rebuilt?
Yes. The same cartilage-framework principles apply, adapted to how much of the ear and surrounding skin remains. Partial losses can sometimes be repaired in one operation.
Is a consultation a commitment to surgery?
No. Use the consultation to understand your options, alternatives, limitations and recovery, then take the time you need to decide.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.