What is Rib Cartilage Surgery for Microtia?

Microtia is a congenital deformity of the external ear. It often affects the ear canal, too. Plastic surgery's advancements have made the lives of children living with Microtia much better. Thanks to a procedure in particular: rib cartilage surgery. 

What is Rib Cartilage Surgery?

Rib Cartilage Surgery, as the name suggests, is a surgery involving the rib cartilage. The idea behind the surgery is to use the rib cartilage to create an external ear. Therefore, once the child reaches approximately 8-9 years of age, they can have this surgery done. 

The rib cartilage surgery as a form of ear reconstruction is much more accessible and beneficial than implants. It is a two-step operation that can take place over a few sessions.

First Operation

In the first operation, an incision is made on the torso to extract rib cartilage. This incision is generally kept as thin as possible to leave minimal scarring. Following this, the cartilage is extracted, and then the sculpting process begins.

This part is highly technical since it requires perfect symmetry while ensuring that the ear's size looks aesthetically pleasing and natural. Once the ear has been made, an incision is made on the scalp depending on the position of the ear, and the sculpted ear is inserted under the skin. 

Depending on how much cartilage the surgeon can get and work with, the parents may have to bring their child back for a second surgery. So, once the entirety of the first operation is done, the child takes a break for a few months and then comes back for the second part of the procedure. 

Second Operation

The second operation is more focused on aesthetics. Now that the surgeon knows that the child is not experiencing any adverse effects from their new ears, they can make them look more realistic.

After the first operation, the ears look normal in profile view. However, if you face the child, the ears look pushed back and stuck to the head. The surgeon now creates a space at the back. This makes the ears stick out in a more natural way. 

Results and Recovery

In the hands of experts, this surgery is a massive success. The child faces no side effects and can return to playing and sports immediately. The ears continue healing on their own, in their own time. 

This way, they end up with a lifetime of natural-looking, completely formed ears!