EarWell Infant Treatment
Corrective treatment for your baby’s ear deformities.
Dr. Nicholas Bastidas, M.D., performs the latest in both non-surgical ear molding and reconstructive surgery to restore the functional architecture and beauty of a full-sized ear. Whether your child is born with abnormally large ears, folded ears, small or absent ears (Microtia), Dr. Bastidas can correct the ear and restore function. Depending on the severity of your child’s ear deformities, infant ear molding (non-surgical) or microtia surgery can be performed.
What is EarWell™?
EarWell™ is a simple, non-operative way to correct abnormally shaped or prominent ears if your baby’s ears stick out, are folded, or are misshapen. Infants have soft cartilage, which allows their ears to be gently reshaped using traction forces with molding. Also known as ear molding, a constant, re-directive force is applied to your baby’s cartilage. Over time this bends back, unfurls, and improves the position and structure of the ear without any pain or discomfort.
Dr. Bastidas uses the EarWell™ device, which is custom made for this purpose and consists of a soft silicone shell. The device is perforated to allow for your baby to hear normally during the process.
What To Expect :
EarWell™
Dr. Bastidas will evaluate your baby’s ear to ensure they are a candidate for treatment. He will also take a full medical history of your baby. Additionally, he will answer any questions you might have about the EarWell™l technique.
During Your EarWell™ Appointment
If your baby is a candidate for ear molding, Dr. Bastidas will apply the EarWell™ device to the ear during the initial consultation. This a completely painless, simple process that is completed within a few short steps.
Dr. Bastidas will shave a small area of hair around your baby’s ear. The skin will be cleaned and the device will be applied, which has a built-in adhesive that sticks to the skin. The ear is placed in the desired position and shape using a soft silicone retainer and conchal conformer. Further tape is applied to prevent the device from falling off as well as a protective cover.
After Your EarWell™ Appointment
Every two weeks there will be a follow-up exam to ensure the desired results are achieved. When ear molding is started early (typically when your child is less than two or three weeks old), the technique only requires 2 to 3 weeks of molding. If ear molding is started when your baby is greater than 3 weeks old, the process is continued for 4 to 6 weeks until the desired result is achieved.
Sometimes Dr. Bastidas will continue the process with only double-sided tape to fine-tune the results for an additional week.
Microtia & Atresia Treatment: Ear Reconstruction Surgery with Allograft Rib Cartilage (Real-Ear Technique)
For children with microtia, Dr. Bastidas has created a world-renowned technique that utilizes the advantages of previous cartilage methods and synthetics to create the perfect ear. His technique combines the benefits of the traditional Rib Ear Reconstruction and Medpor Reconstruction techniques.
With Dr. Bastidas’ Real-Ear Reconstruction Technique:
- Real cartilage is used to reconstruct the ear (no medpor/plastic is used)
- There is minimal pain (only Motrin and Tylenol are needed) – your child can go to school within 2 days
- The outpatient procedure lasts less than 2 hours (minimal anesthesia exposure)
- Ears can be reconstructed as early as age 4
- Both adults and children can benefit from the reconstruction
Ear Well Frequently Asked Questions
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Bastidas and learn more about ear reconstruction procedures, please call our New York, NY office at (212) 485-0616 or our Long Island office at (516) 497-7900. Virtual options are available for out-of-state and international patients.
EarWell / infant Ear molding is more often covered by insurance. Dr. Bastidas and his team can determine insurance eligibility for the EarWell™ system often prior to your child’s consultation.
Yes, the EarWell™ infant ear correction system is covered by insurance (whereas corrective surgeries such as otoplasty and ear pinning are not covered).
EarWells for infants is highly successful, with more than 90% of ear deformities being completely corrected using the EarWell™ technique. This baby ear corrector prevents the need for future operations.
We currently provide the EarWell™ procedure in our NY and Long Island office locations. After a brief consultation, the EarWell™ device can be placed during the same visit. Please call either number and choose your location.
For compassionate, state-of-the-art ear molding and ear reconstruction surgery, call Dr. Nicholas Bastidas.
Schedule an appointment at our New York, NY, office at (212) 485-0616 or our Long Island office at (516) 497-7900