Cryptotia Ear
help without surgery
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Cryptotia Ear (also called hidden or buried ear or pocket ear deformity) is characterized by the fact that the upper part of the outer ear cartilage is partially buried under the skin. Therefore, it looks like this part is missing, but the ear cartilage framework is actually present. However, there are cases where the cartilage framework has other defects. A cause for this deformation is not known, but it occurs more frequently in people of Asian vote (1 in 400 births). Impairment of hearing does not usually occur. However, wearing glasses is practically impossible, often self-esteem takes damage.
Correction of cryptotia ear without surgery
– is it possible?
Several corrective options are available for surgical treatment (otoplasty). The goal is always to restore the natural furrow between the upper ear and the side of the head (auriculo cephaler sulcus). Most surgeries involve the use of existing skin flaps, but skin grafts may be necessary if the condition is severe. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
However, the Cryptotia Ear can also be treated with the EarWell® Corrective System – and beyond the neonatal window (even up to 5 years of age). This is when the cartilage framework hidden under the skin is normally developed. In this case, the cartilage does not have to be soft and malleable, but it is sufficient to expose the hidden part and to stretch the skin accordingly with the EarWell® correction system. In this process, the EarWell® retention bands are first applied to pull back the cartilage framework and stretch the skin. Only about two weeks later, the molding part of the system is applied to set up the released cartilage.
How promising is EarWell® treatment?
To correct the deformity, an EarWell® treatment gently applies pressure to the conchal ridge via the conchal shaping part. This can achieve good and lasting results in about 90% of all treatments. Even mixed ear deformities can be corrected by the individual components of the system. Convince yourself of the efficiency in our before and after comparisons!