Reconstruction of the ear is done to cosmetically correct an ear deformity. Reconstruction will not repair the hearing in the deformed ear. The goal of reconstruction is to make the ear appear 'normal'. Every effort is made so that the reconstructed ear will reasonably match the other ear. The initial reconstruction can be started around 5 years of age and requires several staged operations for completion.

In the first stage, cartilage is removed from the lower ribs of the opposite side of the body. The rib cartilage is carved to resemble an external ear, which is then placed under the skin of the affected side. All attempts are made to incorporate whatever portions of the ear are present.

In the second stage, the earlobe (lobule) is rotated into position.

In the third stage, the ear is raised away from the head. A skin graft is used for this stage of the reconstruction to cover the back surface of the ear. The skin graft is usually taken from the top of the thigh or buttock. At this point, further surgeries may not be necessary, but a fourth stage is often done to give the ear a more natural appearance.

In the fourth stage, the center of the ear (concha) is further defined. Another skin graft or a small piece of cartilage may be needed for this stage of the reconstruction.

Preparing for Your Child's Surgery

You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your child's surgery date. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

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List of Physicians Who Perform Staged Ear Reconstruction Surgery

For details about education, experience, and specialty in this clinical area, please visit these physician profile pages:

Mott Operating & Recovery Rooms

Your child's surgery will take place at the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital which provides state-of-the-art, "child friendly" surgical suites and recovery areas. Visit the Mott Children's Hospital OR & Recovery Room page for a "virtual tour" of the operating and recovery areas, before, during, and after surgery information, frequently asked questions and answers for parents and children, and much more.

Types of Anesthesia

The ear reconstruction repair is done in an operating room under general anesthesia so that your child will sleep throughout the entire procedure. Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists at Mott Children's Hospital are all trained and experienced in pediatric anesthesia and the care of pediatric patients. Your child will remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

After Your Child's Surgery

Postoperatively, your child will have an IV, and may need to sleep in a crib with the head of the crib propped up to decrease swelling. Your child can be discharged from the hospital if he is taking liquids well (usually one or two days). Prescriptions will be written for pain medication (usually Tylenol™ with codeine), and ointment for his suture line.

Post-Operative Instructions

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions for each surgery. In general, the time between stages varies between 4 to 8 months to allow the ear to heal well. After most of these operations a one to two night stay in the hospital is usually required. A bulky gauze dressing is applied to the ear that will need to be changed daily at home. With each dressing change, an antibiotic ointment may need to be applied to the incisions of the ear. Tylenol may be used for pain, but a prescription for stronger pain medication may be necessary.

For at least two weeks after each surgery, refrain from heavy activities and do not immerse the ear in water. Please call the clinic for the following symptoms: a fever greater than 101.5, sudden bleeding, strange looking and/or smelling drainage, bruising or extreme redness of the skin of the ear, ear temperature that is either very cold or very hot to touch, or pain not relieved by pain medication. Follow up appointments will be scheduled weekly for the first month after surgery, then every one to two months afterward. It is also a good idea to be seen regularly by an otolaryngologist to maximize hearing.