subject: "before And After" Photos Are Important In An Ear Reconstruction [print this page] Microtia is the medical term for congenital ear deformities. Congenital means that the deformity took place while the child was forming in the uterus. Males are born with this malady more often than females and approximately ninety percent of cases involve only one of the child's two ears.
There are surgical steps to alleviate this condition, however, and taking appropriate "before and after" photos can be one of them.
What causes a fetus's ears to develop abnormally? There are different theories. One theory has to do with inadequate blood supply during the gestation period. Another theory is that it is a genetic flaw and that it would be wise for the parents of a child born with Microtia to seek genetic counseling in order to find out more.
Some think that this malady may have occurred due to the mother taking certain prescription medications during her pregnancy, such as retinoic acid, thalidomide and accutane. Taking any medication or being exposed to any potentially harmful chemical during pregnancy should certainly be avoided if at all possible.
There is a scale of severity with this ailment, and the four levels include Anotia which is being born without an external ear; Grade One, which is being born with a proportionately tiny ear; Grade Two, which means that while there is some semblance of ear that is not completely formed; and Grade Three, which means that the ear is simply a strip of malformed skin with a slight earlobe.
All of these cases pertain to the external parts of the ear, but not the inner portion which is the main component responsible for hearing. The inner portions develop during a different time of the pregnancy, so are often unaffected by the defect and still functional.
"Before and after" photos are helpful as the surgeon aligns the malformed ear to the one that appears normal. It is also good to have documentation in the case of genetic counseling. The photos will not only document but be a visual aid in the process of reconstruction, as well.
Viewing "before and after" photos of other patients can be very helpful to those seeking reconstruction as they will be able to get a realistic idea of probable outcomes.
In ear reconstructive surgery, it is important to select a reputable plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in these types of procedures. Check the local and national registry of reconstructive surgeons in order to get recommendations for physicians in your area and then make an appointment for an initial consultation to see if this is the right doctor for your child.
by: Abigail Aaronson
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