Ear reconstruction surgery

Need to know

• What happens during an ear reconstruction? icon plus

  Surgery using your own tissue is done in two stages. Both are carried out under general anaesthetic so you'll be asleep. The first surgery takes up to five hours.
  
  Your surgeon will create a pocket by reshaping tissue to mimic the shape of your ear. A small amount of cartilage, taken from your ribs, will be carved and wired together. It will be inserted into the pocket and stitched closed. About six months later, a second surgery will be done to lift your ear from your head and help it protrude correctly.
  
  For a prosthetic reconstruction, two or three small titanium implants will be inserted into the side of the head so a false ear can be attached.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. Your consultant will let know what type of ear reconstruction surgery is available to you and exactly what's involved in the procedure.
  
  They'll tell you how to prepare and how long you should avoid eating and drinking before having general anaesthetic.

• After surgery icon plus

  If you're having an ear reconstructed using your own tissue, you'll need to stay in hospital for about five days following your first operation — and up to three days after the second. If you're having a prosthetic ear made, it will last about 18 months before it needs replacing. It will need to be removed at night so that it, and the surrounding area, can be carefully cleaned.