Ear Deformities in Newborns

Ear deformities are surprisingly common in newborns. It has been estimated that about 30% of newborn infants are born with ear deformities. About one-half of these deformities will self-correct within the first week of life. This leaves about 15% of infants with persistent congenital ear deformities. If these deformities are not addressed early on, the only method available to correct the deformity is surgery.

Ear Deformities in Newborns procedures

Common Deformities

Some of the common deformities that are seen include: prominent ears (where the ears stick out too far from the head), cryptotia (where the upper portion of the ear is buried under the skin and there is not a groove behind the upper pole of the ear), Stahl’s ear or Spock’s ear (where there is a third crus in the upper ear that leads to a pointed upper ear), lop ear ( folding over the upper one-third or upper one-half of the ear), and lidding (where the rim of the ear is collapsed or not well developed).

Patient Review

Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon! – Thy D.

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About EarWell Infant Ear Correction System

Dr. Sundine is proud to announce that we now have the EarWell™ Infant Ear Correction System. It has been reported that using this system will result in good to excellent correction of ear deformities in 93% of infants. Using the EarWell™ system the deformity can be treated without the pain and associated costs of a surgical procedure while also minimizing the potential of psychosocial issues with teasing due to the deformity.

More on EarWell Infant Correction System

The principle that is involved in neonatal ear molding is that newborns have a high circulating estrogen level that they received from their mother and have similarly high levels of hyaluronic acid in the ear cartilage. As the maternal estrogen levels decrease over the next six weeks there is a corresponding decrease in the hyaluronic acid in the cartilage and the cartilage becomes more rigid and stable in shape. For this reason it is extremely important to start the molding process as soon as possible. The effectiveness of the procedure decreases dramatically if it is started after 3 weeks of age.

Newport Beach

To perform the procedure a strip of hair is shaved around the ear to allow the EarWell™ device to adhere to the scalp. The EarWell™ cradle is then placed around the ear. There are multiple retractors that are then available to help shape the ear. The patient is then seen every 2 weeks to monitor the progress of the shaping. It generally takes 4-6 weeks to complete the molding.

Professional Memberships:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons-Fellow
American Academy of Pediatrics-Fellow
International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons
American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Cleft Palate- Craniofacial Association
American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Association of Plastic Surgery

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

  • "I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE!!!"

    I gave Dr. Sundine the highest possible review in each category because he truly deserved the highest reviews on every level. I am a very well recognized lawyer on the West Coast. My firm has spent millions of dollars on television advertising in which I appear. I could not afford to have a bad face lift or even for people to notice I had a face lift at all. I interviewed many physicians including some of the “celebrity” physicians. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sundine because he performs highly complex complete facial reconstruction procedures on children. I figured if he was so skilled that he could perform such incredibly difficult procedures on a child, I was confident he could perform a face lift with which I would be happy. The results were so far beyond my expectations that I could hardly believe. I look literally ten years younger. I am incredibly happy with the results and they seem to get better and better as the healing continues. I never had a problem getting a return call or making an appointment. Dr. Sundine is always pleasant and answers all of my questions. I would recommend him to anyone!!!

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  • "I Am Very Satisfied With The Results"

    What I really like about Dr Sundine is his vast experience and training. I also like the fact he did not try to sell me other procedures. He is also very down to earth and easy to talk to. I am very satisfied with the results and I highly recommend him.

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  • "Thanks, Dr. Sundine!"

    After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. He is gentle and kind and genuinely listens to you. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. Even the day of the procedure, he spent ample time talking to me, taking measurements, and making marks on my body so as to get the perfect results. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine!
     

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  • "Excellent Plastic Surgeon!"

    Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. The office setting is state of the art and his office manager Toni makes sure that everything runs efficiently. They really listen to your needs before and after surgery to make certain that you walk out fully satisfied. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. This is not your typical Newport Beach plastic surgeon’s office. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County! The office offers a full range of injectables, peels, and lasers in addition to major cosmetic surgery procedures. Whether you need a little tweak or surgery this is the physician that you should see!
    - Susan

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  • "You are the Best Surgeon!"

    Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!
    - Thy D.

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