For the past 25 years, Dr. Thomas Romo III has been dedicated to advancing microtia surgery — a corrective procedure that constructs ears for children born without them, working with both adults and children who come to see him from all over the world.
What Is Microtia Surgery?
Microtia is a congenital deformity affecting the outer ear. The ear does not fully develop within the first trimester of pregnancy. A microtia ear is often smaller in size than normal, can have a peanut-shaped appearance, have only a small nub or lobe present, or be completely absent altogether. Microtia can affect one or both ears. Microtia occurs in 1 out of every 7,000 to 8,000 births. Males are affected more often than females. There are approximately 755 million people living today with some form of microtia. Microtia is often associated with reduced hearing or hearing loss.
Watch Dr. Romo Explain The Process And Benefits Of Microtia Surgery
Results Microtia Surgery For Children Can Achieve
Microtia surgery for children may be used to:
- Construct a new ear structure using rib cartilage or porous implants
- Create natural-looking ears on one or both sides of the head
- Implant a bone-anchored hearing aid under the skin to correct hearing problems (when necessary)
Microtia Surgery For Children Before And After
Candidates For Microtia Surgery
Microtia surgery is an option for children who are at least 5 or 6 years old, as reconstructive ear surgery is usually not advised until a patient’s ears have finished developing. Dr. Romo is a recognized expert in treating ear problems and deformities and has been performing groundbreaking surgical techniques for more than two decades.
Why Should My Child Get Microtia Surgery?
Reasons for undergoing pediatric microtia surgery may include:
- Construct natural-looking ears to treat pediatric patients who are impacted by this congenital birth defect
- Improve hearing for patients with atresia (hearing loss) commonly associated with microtia
- Enhance facial appearance and balance
- Help a child gain confidence and self-esteem in his or her facial appearance
Microtia Surgery Procedure
During microtia surgery, Dr. Romo will fashion a new ear or portion of an ear using rib cartilage or porous implants and then attach it where the natural ear should be positioned. If the patient’s condition is also associated with hearing loss, a bone-anchored hearing aid can be implanted under the skin during the procedure.
What Does Microtia Surgery For Children Involve?
Here’s an overview of what you can expect during your child’s microtia surgery:
- Your child will be given an anesthetic so he or she will not feel any pain during the procedure
- Results can be seen immediately
- A light dressing is put in place after the surgery, which usually remains for one day
- After surgery, the patient will be given a ROMO-GUARDTM to protect the ears
- Recovery and potential downtime can range from 10‒14 days
Why Choose Dr. Romo For Your Child’s Microtia Surgery?
Dr. Romo is a pioneer in the field of microtia surgery for children, with more than 25 years of experience in developing groundbreaking surgical techniques for this procedure. He also provides otoplasty for children.
Committed to improving the level of comfort and protection provided by a postoperative ear device for his patients, Dr. Romo designed and developed a device called the ROMO-GUARDTM, which he created specifically for ear reconstruction surgeries.
In partnership with the Little Baby Face Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Romo, he has provided hundreds of free surgeries to children of low-income families who are born with ear deformities.
Where Can I Find The Best Microtia Surgeon For Kids In NYC?
Thomas Romo III, MD, FACS is one of the most experienced and respected plastic surgeons for microtia surgery in children in the world, known for his meticulous minimally invasive surgical techniques and for achieving natural-looking results with a shorter recovery period. As a world-renowned innovator in surgical methods as well as an inventor of new endoscopic instruments for facial surgery, Dr. Romo’s practice draws patients from New York City, across the United States, and internationally for all of their surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic needs.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about microtia surgery for children or otoplasty for children, call our office today at 212-288-1500. You can also schedule a consultation with Dr. Romo by filling out our appointment request form. Your child deserves to look and feel his or her best, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Watch Our Video
Learn about Payton’s story, a pediatric patient who underwent a life-changing microtia surgery with Dr. Romo.
