What is auricular reconstruction?
Auricular reconstruction is a multi-staged procedure to rebuild the ear. Some children are born without one or both ears. People of any age may lose all or part of an ear in an accident. Auricular reconstruction usually takes four operations spaced about 6 months apart, so the total process can take up to two years. Who is a good candidate for auricular reconstruction? The best candidates for auricular reconstruction are children around 6 to 8 years old or older. At this age, the rib cartilages are large enough to carve into an adequately sized framework. People who have had radiation, extensive scarring or extensive sun damage to the area are not good candidates, and may be better suited with a prosthesis. How is auricular reconstruction performed? In the first stage, an incision is made in front of the small ear remnant, and a skin pocket is made. Rib cartilage is borrowed from the chest, and it is carved into the shape of an ear. The new ear framework is placed in the skin pocket, a
