How Can My Grandson’s Misshapen Ear be Fixed Without Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a grandson who is only 3 months. He was born with a mishappen ear and I do not want him to go through surgery and I read online that there is  a way to fix his ear with some sort of mold. Can you please help me and tell me where I can find this mold? Thank you for your time to read this and I hope to hear from you soon.

A: Neonatal ear molding can reshape an ear but it must be done within the first two months of life to be effective. There is a very narrow time window after birth when the cartilage remains ‘unstiffened’ and can be molded into a new shape. This is done using ear molds known as the Earwell System. It must be done by a plastic surgeon to apply the mold and change it as needed over a two to three treatment period. I am afraid at three months old your grandson has already passed the time when such non-surgical ear shaping is possible.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana