Early Non-Surgical Correction of Newborn Ear Deformity.

Abstract

Otoplasty has been described for nearly 200 years for children and adults. Although auricular deformity has been recognized in newborns, treatment options were lacking. With the development of ear molding techniques, newborn ear deformities can now be corrected non-surgically. However, these techniques have distinct limitations with much dependent on the age of initiation of treatment and deformities present. Awareness of these early interventions is therefore crucial in order to initiate treatment in the early developmental period when the ear is still malleable. During the first few weeks of life, the ears are malleable, and the ears are rapidly growing, relatively. Therefore, the neonatal period provides a unique opportunity to contour the ears properly. Different techniques have been developed. However, the premise is that the ears are stabilized in a favorable contour continuously for several weeks to hold into proper position. This procedure carries minimal risk and can be quite efficacious, preventing a child from needing surgery later in life.