Microtia Reconstruction Revision

Q: Dr. Eppley, Well I had some work done on my ear as a child (Microtia Reconstruction Revision) but I didn’t like the work done so I want to consult with another doctor to see if I can get better work done.

A: Thank you for sending your ear pictures after your microtia reconstruction done years ago. Microtia reconstruction using ribs grafts is a very challenging and humbling surgery for which it is hard to get good and pleasing results every time. Your ear result looks fairly typical to me and generally can be summed up as…not bad but there is room improvement.

The general outline of the ear and its projection from the side of the head is adequate but it lacks the ear details that the underlying framework probably has carved into it. To make improvements I would do the following microtia reconstruction revision:

1) shorten and smooth out the earlobe

2) Create the concave details of the antihelical fold, crus and concha through excision of skin and scar with the placement of small split-thickness skin grafts

There is definite room for improvement in creating some better ears details which is what your ear lacks currently.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana