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Microtia Surgery
Microtia — literally “small ear” — is a congenital condition in which an ear is underdeveloped or malformed, sometimes affecting hearing and sometimes presenting as an aesthetic concern alone. It has no single known cause, though it occurs more often alongside certain syndromes and in some pregnancies involving diabetes or prenatal exposures. Correcting microtia is among the most intricate procedures in reconstructive surgery, often requiring an entirely new ear to be built. Dr. Erez Dayan offers microtia reconstruction for children and adults at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV.
Reconstructing an ear essentially from the ground up is one of the most demanding challenges a plastic surgeon can take on — and it draws on the depth of Dr. Erez Dayan’s reconstructive expertise. His career spans some of the most complex facial and reconstructive surgery performed today, and that experience translates directly to the precision and staged planning microtia requires. Dr. Dayan is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute, fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery after completing his Harvard plastic surgery residency. When a child’s microtia also involves the inner ear, he coordinates care with an ear specialist so both function and appearance are addressed, offering microtia repair among the practice’s ear plastic surgery procedures.
What Is Microtia?
In microtia, a problem with tissue formation before birth prevents the ear from developing fully or correctly, leaving it small and sometimes malformed. In some cases the condition involves the inner ear and affects hearing, which is why a coordinated evaluation matters. For many patients, however, microtia is purely an aesthetic concern with no hearing problems — and reconstruction focuses on creating a fully formed, natural-appearing ear.
“Building a natural ear for a child is painstaking, staged work — but few things are more rewarding. The goal is an ear that looks like it was always meant to be there, so the child never gives it a second thought.” — Dr. Erez Dayan
Congenital Ear Deformity Repair for Children and Adults
Dr. Dayan performs congenital ear deformity repair for both children and adults. Because most ear deformities are noticed early in life, many parents wish to correct them as soon as possible, but the ear must finish growing before reconstruction can begin — usually around age seven. Adults who never had microtia corrected in childhood are equally welcome candidates.
Staged Microtia Reconstruction in Reno/Tahoe
Microtia surgery is typically performed in stages, and there are several methods Dr. Dayan may use to reconstruct the ear. Because there is little existing tissue to work with, he often rebuilds the ear using cartilage harvested from the patient’s own body, sculpting it into a natural framework over multiple procedures. Dr. Dayan explains the recommended approach and timeline in detail during a confidential consultation with you and your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microtia Surgery
Does microtia affect hearing?
Sometimes. In some cases microtia involves the inner ear and affects hearing, while in many others it is purely an aesthetic concern. When hearing is involved, Dr. Dayan coordinates care with an ear specialist so both are addressed.
At what age can microtia surgery be performed?
The ear must finish growing before reconstruction begins, which is usually around age seven. This timing allows for a properly proportioned, natural result.
How is the ear reconstructed?
Because there is little existing tissue, Dr. Dayan often rebuilds the ear using cartilage harvested from the patient’s own body, shaping it into a natural framework. The reconstruction is completed in stages over multiple procedures.
How many procedures does microtia reconstruction take?
A complete reconstruction generally requires more than one procedure, performed in planned stages. Dr. Dayan will outline the full sequence and timeline during your consultation.
Can adults have microtia surgery?
Yes. While microtia is often corrected in childhood, adults who never had it addressed are also candidates for reconstruction.
Can we consult before traveling to Reno/Tahoe?
Yes. Dr. Dayan offers virtual consultations so out-of-area families can discuss options and recommendations by videoconference and make informed decisions before planning any travel.
Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for Microtia Surgery
- Complex Reconstructive Expertise: a background in some of the most intricate facial and reconstructive surgery performed today
- Staged Reconstruction Skill: careful, multi-stage planning to build a natural-looking ear
- Coordinated Care: collaboration with an ear specialist when hearing is involved
- Care for Children and Adults: microtia reconstruction tailored to every age
- Virtual Consultations: remote counsel for families traveling from outside the area
Schedule a Microtia Consultation in Reno/Tahoe
If your child has microtia, or you’re an adult considering reconstruction, Dr. Erez Dayan can help. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV at (775) 800-4444 to schedule a microtia consultation. Virtual consultations are available for patients and families traveling from out of town.
