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.