This is Luke. Luke was born with a missing right ear, a condition known as microtia. He quite likes his little ear, and who wouldn’t!? It’s adorable, and he is too!
Luke and his mum and dad were uncertain whether surgery was the right course of action for him. The good thing is, thanks to technology known as virtual surgical planning, we can give them all a really tangible idea of what a new big ear could look like. Luke was literally able to try a new ear on for size!
We always start with the 3D scan. Each child’s new ear is custom-designed using the mirror image of their healthy ear as the model. For kids with bilateral microtia, we can use a family member’s ear or design one from scratch. To complete the 3D scan, a high definition 3D scanner flashes precisely focused pulsed light on the surface of the healthy ear, triangulating fine details. It isn’t painful but it takes about 1/2 hour so we use a few tricks to keep wriggly kids still for that long!I
3D printing and virtual surgical planning technology can ignite our imaginations, which is particularly important for something as unimaginable as a custom 3D ear reconstruction for a young child. Once Luke actually saw what his new big ear could look like, and held the 3D model of his new big ear in his hands, his reluctance disappeared and he was excited for his upcoming surgery which we undertook earlier this year.
The 3D scan also allows the family to see how Luke’s new ear could look from various angles, plus it produces practical information that we use during surgery.
Big Ear Reveal
One of the best things about making new ears for little kids is the moment when we unveil a new big ear for the first time and we get to see their reaction. The expressions are priceless!
Messages from my patients really give me a sense of what this surgery means to them and inspire me to keep doing better.
These ear-shaped and doctor cookies were a first, and very much appreciated by the whole team!
Update
We all know you can’t hold superheroes down!
Luke has the superpower of constant movement. Needless to say his first priority after surgery was to get back on the trampoline. His mum, Katie shared a video of him in action. My response: “I am equal parts terrified and proud!” His wonderful parents took great care of his new big ear and it continued to heal well despite his constant activity.
Luke seems pretty happy with the results. I love seeing his beautiful smile as he checks himself out in the mirror!
Receiving messages like the one below from Luke’s mum 3 months after his surgery is a thrill. Luke received his custom 3D big ear during lockdown. It certainly didn’t stop him from jumping on his trampoline or rumbling with his brothers, but his number one question for me at every post-op visit was, “When can I go swimming?” Luke’s family are all champion swimmers and the family’s home pool was the main source of distraction during lockdown.
It is a great joy to see Luke loving life, back at the beach and swimming in the family pool again. For the record, Luke was back in the water 9 weeks after his surgery, and by all reports, he is yet to come out!
Note: just as no two individuals are alike, no two surgical results will be exactly alike. Seek surgical advice from a FRACS qualified professional.