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EarWell

If your newborn has an ear deformity, there is no reason to wait and hope that it will improve on its own. Rowe Plastic Surgery's board-certified surgeons in NY and NJ now offer EarWell®, a cutting-edge splinting and molding device for correcting congenital ear defects in infant patients. EarWell Infant Ear Correction System allows the ear cartilage to conform to the desired shape without the need for surgical repair, with a success rate of more than 90%.

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Page Updated on Sep 20, 2023 by Dr. Norman Rowe (Plastic Surgeon) of Rowe Plastic Surgery

EarWell® Infant Ear Correction System

Rowe Plastic Surgery is now offering EarWell®, the first and most advanced nonsurgical infant ear deformity correction device. Almost ⅓ of babies are born with an ear deformity. While some ear deformities are temporary, and will resolve as the child grows, others may not improve without treatment. Because it’s unknown which ear deformities will correct on their own and which will not, it’s important to discuss treatment options as early as possible. Choosing EarWell® for your child when they’re young may prevent a surgical procedure later in life.

Baby Ear Deformities

Baby ear deformities are irregularly-shaped ears in newborn infants. A majority of ear deformities are the result of ear position while inside the uterus. These deformities may include:

  • Anotia
  • Conchal crus
  • Constricted ear, lop ear, and cup ear
  • Cryptotia ear deformity
  • Ear lidding deformity
  • Microtia
  • Protruding ear
  • Stahl’s ear

These deformities can be complicated, especially if they’re not treated at an early age. There’s more to ear deformities than cosmetics; hearing loss, physical and emotional developmental delays, and other side effects can also occur. Studies suggest that children with facial abnormalities – particularly ear deformities – suffer peer hazing, ridicule, and abuse. As a result, they often exhibit low self-esteem, anxiety, social isolation, and emotional withdrawal.

EarWell® Infant Ear Correction System

Rowe Plastic Surgery now offers families the ability to correct their child’s ear deformities without surgery. Previously, ear deformities were left to develop on their own, and if needed, surgical correction was done at a later age. EarWell® is a clinically-tested, wearable medical device that can be applied to a child’s ear within days of birth to shape and correct the deformity. The process is painless and noninvasive, and requires no incisions or surgical correction. There is no anesthesia, sedation, or medication required, as it causes no pain.

The EarWell® system is most successful for children three weeks and younger. The window for ear correction is narrow; a baby’s ear cartilage is most flexible during the first month of life. Therefore, any treatment for a deformity is best done early.

How EarWell® Works

EarWell® is a plastic conforming device that cradles an infant’s ear. The system consists of four parts:

  1. An external shell that fits around the ear and adheres to the skin behind the ear
  2. A retractor that shapes the rim of the ear
  3. A conchal former that shapes the center of the ear
  4. A soft, anterior shell to hold the pieces together.

The device will need to be worn for four-six weeks to ensure that the cartilage holds its new shape. The deformity will be corrected by 2 months of life. Following treatment, the ear will have a more natural-looking shape that will grow and develop normally.

Schedule a Consultation

If your baby has an ear deformity and is young enough to qualify for EarWell® treatment, Rowe Plastic Surgery can help. We will be offering EarWell® in Red Bank and Montclair, New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, please call (732) 913-8591.

Note: Not all deformities may be corrected with EarWell. Results may vary

Dr. Norman Rowe, MD

Dr. Norman Rowe, MD, is an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery, rhinoplasty, and revision procedures. He employs the latest techniques to lessen scarring and trauma during surgery and is well-known for his short-scar breast reduction. Dr. Rowe's substantial expertise can benefit patients seeking any sort of face, breast, body, or skin treatment as he employs the most recent anti-aging treatments, such as skin and body rejuvenation, and has the utmost experience using both surgical and non-invasive methods.

Dr. Rowe is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a highly rated cosmetic surgeon on RealSelf. He received his plastic surgery training at New York University Medical Center and the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Institute and is always looking for novel techniques and products to help his patients with their body and skincare needs.

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