ear reconstruction

Big Ears? Thumbs Up!

Big Ears? Thumbs Up!

Luke’s mum and dad were quite certain they wanted Luke to have a new big ear before starting school, but Luke wasn’t so sure about the idea of surgery. He’s a very active boy who’s favourite pastime is rumbling with his two older brothers! So we held off making the decision about whether surgery was the right course of action for Luke at his age. The good thing is, using a technology known as virtual surgical planning, we could give the whole family a really tangible idea of what a new big ear could be like. Luke was literally able to try a new ear on for size, and he liked what he saw!

Microtia Conference in Brisbane

Microtia Conference in Brisbane

The annual Brisbane Microtia & Atresia conference was once again an impressive event offering important information and support to Australian families. I’ve summarised a few of the common questions families asked me regarding having ear reconstruction in Australia if they choose to go down that path.

The History of Plastic Surgery

The History of Plastic Surgery

My chosen area of specialty, Plastic Surgery, is arguably one of the best known fields of medicine, but often for all the wrong reasons. However a quick look back at the history of this profession will open your eyes to the power of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery to transform lives, and explain why it continues to spark my passion.

Another Australian First in Microtia

Another Australian First in Microtia

Last Monday another young Australian boy received a 3D printed ear implant. While this is the second for Australia, he also a “first” because he received a bone anchored hearing aid implant during the same operation. Usually done over 2 separate operations, this procedure is the first of its kind in Australia.

Don't forget to sparkle!

Don't forget to sparkle!

A wrap up of my week delivering surgical education in Vietnam. It was a pleasure to be able to pass on ear reconstruction and microtia techniques, and it also struck me that teaching others requires me to hone my own skills and to reflect deeply on exactly how and why I make decisions. It is an intense experience but certainly makes me a better surgeon.