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Many minor infant ear deformities will correct themselves over time. Parents often wait with unease to see if this is the case for their child or if they will need to put them through surgery to correct the deformity. Thankfully, the EarWell® Infant Ear Correction System is the first non-surgical method that can be implanted soon after birth, with no waiting. Finally, parents can be proactive and prevent the need for surgical correction.

Minimally Invasive Infant Ear Deformity Correction

The EarWell Infant Ear Correction System is a minimally invasive option for parents who are ready to take action in correcting an ear deformity or malformation. While many deformities will naturally correct with time, those that don’t will eventually need surgical intervention. With EarWell, many deformities can be fixed in just four to six weeks by gently molding the ear into a proper shape. However, the system should be implemented quickly for the most positive results.

How the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System Works

This system works by gently molding the ear into a more natural shape while the cartilage is still flexible. Infants naturally have high levels of estrogen given to them by their mothers that dissipate quickly after birth. As the estrogen levels decrease, so do levels of hyaluronic acid in the cartilage. As this happens, the cartilage becomes firmer.

When the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System is implemented early, within five to seven days of birth, many ear deformities can be resolved without surgery. Parents and pediatricians should note any abnormalities immediately, so the system is more likely to prove beneficial. After three weeks of age, the success rate may drop to as low as 50%.

What To Expect from EarWell Ear Correction

Parents visiting Maia Plastic Surgery for infant ear deformity should expect three steps in the correction process. While this process may take between four to six weeks, it is typically much less invasive and more cost-effective than performing surgery later when your child is older if the deformity does not correct itself.

  • Consultation: To determine if your infant is a good candidate, plan to meet with Dr. Maia, a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System.
  • Placement: The system can be placed during the same visit if Dr. Maia determines that your infant is a good candidate. You can expect their hair to be shaved around the ear so that the shell can adhere to the skin. The ear fits through the shell, and the rest of the frame pieces gently move the ear into a more natural shape to complete the EarWell frame.
  • Follow-Up Visits: You should monitor the EarWell frame closely to ensure it stays in place. After about two weeks, the adhesive may weaken, and the shell may start to pull away from the skin. You will be provided with Micropore™ tape to hold it in place temporarily while you schedule a follow-up visit with Dr. Maia to have the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System replaced with a new one.
  • Completion: After removing the second EarWell, Dr. Maia will determine if a third is necessary to achieve a natural ear shape. Most infants will only need two or three visits to correct their ear deformity. However, every infant is different, and a personalized treatment plan will ensure the best results.

Minimally invasive infant ear deformity correction may be possible if started early. Parents concerned about their infant’s ears or pediatricians who have noticed an infant’s deformity should contact Maia Plastic Surgery about the possibility of using the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System.

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Maia Plastic Surgery

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Douglas D.

Dr Maia and her staff are truly professional: knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, kind, willing to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. They are there for you, and Dr Maia is talented. Super talented! You are in good, safe hands.

Brooke S.

Dr. Maia is such a great doctor! She does excellent work and makes you feel as if you are talking to a friend. I would highly recommend her to everyone I know!

Kerri L.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a consultation with Dr. Maia, not only was her expertise evident, her compassion shown through as she walked us through the process. Thankfully, I felt very comfortable trusting her as I underwent reconstruction surgery. I am very happy with the results and highly respect and recommend Dr. Maia.

Claire P.

My son had mole removed by Dr. Maia. She did a fantastic job. Friendly staffs and relax atmosphere. We have a wonderful experience in Dr. Maia office.

Larissa M.

Dr Maia and her staff were wonderful! I was super concerned in doing my procedure, but they walked me through every step. Had a really great experience with them❤️

Caroline H.

Dr Maia truly loves what she does. She is invested in making you the version of yourself you want to be. She listens attentively to what you want and makes relevant suggestions. She did not try to introduce anything unnecessary into my treatment plan. The results I achieved during my first treatment keeps me coming back. Her staff is excellent and works to accommodate your schedule. I have recommended Dr. Maia several times and each time I get the same positive feedback.

Karen D.

Selecting a surgeon: After having two children and weight fluctuations over the years I was left with complete loss of volume in my breasts. I had four consultations with other surgeons but after comparing their photos to Dr Maia’s and meeting her in person, I knew she was my doctor. We talked about my lifestyle - being a mom and a professional, I didn’t want to be too big, but I’m curvy so I didn’t want to go too small for my frame either. She let me try on sizes and once I selected she agreed it was a good fit for my frame. Post op recovery: I was a smoker and had quit prior to surgery but she was very honest and adamant in telling me how important it was that I did not smoke. (I honestly needed the lecture and the transparency about what could happen if I did start smoking before surgery and post-op.) Because I was formerly a pretty heavy smoker, it did cause some issues after surgery with wound closing and she was SO diligent and on top of it seeing me once and week and squeezing me in for appointments between surgeries and patients. She prescribed different things to address the would closure issues before they really became a problem. Being able to have text message access to the office was great when I had questions and she even accommodated my schedule when I couldn’t be seen in person to send progress photos so that she could check on me. 3 months post op: I’m so happy with the results of my surgery and am so glad I waited to find the right doctor. She’s an artist! They look natural, fit my body shape and they haven’t even fully “dropped and fluffed” yet. Would highly recommend… comparing her patient photos to other surgeons will end your search. I feel so much better in my body thanks to Dr Maia.

Justine A.

This is my second time at Dr. Maia’s office and I am so pleased with my experience here. The staff is so friendly and caring. Dr. Maia is the best Dr in the DMV area, she knows exactly what she is doing and you will be happy with the results! I am so glad I found her! I recommend anyone who’s looking for a very personable doctor to come and see her! Thank you Dr. Maia & staff!

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