EarWell Addresses Ear Malformations in Newborns
Medicine has evolved a great deal and can work wonders. Ear deformities in newborns can be a difficult situation for the baby and the parents. Over 25% of newborns are found to have some form of ear malformations.
Today’s advanced medicine can effectively correct deformities even in infants without any hassle. One such situation is when the newborn is diagnosed with an ear deformity. The EarWell procedure has been found to be an efficient and effective way to address newborn ear malformations.
What Is EarWell?
In some cases, minor deformities can automatically resolve as the baby grows. But there are some conditions that have to be corrected. The doctor will suggest medical intervention if it is required. There have been surgeries used to correct such issues.
But to reduce complications and to avoid surgeries for babies so small, the EarWell treatment is a more ideal option. This non-surgical procedure is found to correct ear malformations in babies ages six weeks old or younger.
The procedure involves placing a four-part system on the baby’s ears to correct them:
- The posterior, or outermost, shell that is placed on top of the ear
- A retractor to reshape the ear’s outer rim
- A conchal former to reshape the central portion of the ear
- An anterior shell to hold all of these parts in place
When Would a Baby Need EarWell?
Some babies have external ear deformities that are not very serious. These may simply make the ear look misaligned or oddly shaped after the baby grows. But sometimes, getting ear deformities evaluated at an early stage and correcting them helps to reduce any risks involved.
Since many parents fear choosing surgery for their newborns, parents often wait for the baby to grow older and then choose a corrective surgery for it at some later stage. But because waiting has the potential to worsen the situation, parents are now choosing EarWell instead for an easier and more convenient solution.
Conditions like cup ear, lidding, Stahl’s ear, lop ear, helical compression, and others can be corrected with the EarWell procedure.
The Procedure
Once the doctor observes cosmetic or minor internal deformities in a newborn, he might prescribe EarWell treatment if required. A small patch of hair close to the ear to be corrected might be shaved off. The area is then thoroughly cleaned with alcohol.
This is then followed by placement of the four-part system. The system molds the ear and reshapes it. The shape of the shells is designed to aid the normal growth of the ears.
What Happens After The Procedure?
The shell is left on the baby’s ears anywhere from four to six weeks. The method has been known to have a very good success rate. If in the weeks after the procedure the adhesive is seen to weaken, they might have to temporarily use a Micropore tape.
The doctor then provides necessary corrections later to firmly put the system back in place. Care should be taken while giving the baby a bath so that the system is not disturbed.
Find Out More About EarWell
Contact the office of Dr. Andrew Compton, a highly skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, to learn more about the possibility of your newborn undergoing the EarWell procedure. Arrange your consultation today.