Long Island

Ear Molding and EarWell® Systems in Long Island

10-12% of newborn babies have some sort of funny or misshapen ear. This may be due to the deformational forces from your baby’s in-utero position. While many of these misshapen ears do correct in the first 5-7 days of life, most ears after one week will stay the same way and no longer improve. While having a prominent or elf-shaped ear may be cute on a newborn, it can be a source of anxiety and teasing in the future. We recommend coming in for consult if the deformity persists beyond one week so as not to miss the window of opportunity for correction with ear molding.

Ear molding offers a non-surgical solution for correcting misshapen newborn ears. Applying a soft silicone mold for a period of up to 4 weeks can completely re-shape the ear, creating a normal contour. This procedure is absolutely painless and is not uncomfortable at all for your baby. the best results are obtained if the molds are placed in the first 3 weeks of life though we have seen some improvement in older children as well (up to 4 months). Treatment involves shaving some hair around the hair, attaching the ear mold, and then taping it in place to fixate it. This is not an uncomfortable procedure and your baby may remain sleeping during the entire time. Ear molds are removed after 4 weeks and the results are immediate.

There are many types of ear deformities, including: Lop ear, Cup Ear, Stahl Ear, Lobule protrusion, protruding ears, constricted ear, and cryptotia (hidden ear). These can all be improved using a non-surgical ear molding technique. Ear molding does not involve any anesthesia. Ear molds have holes to allow for your baby to hear normally during the entire process. Ear molding is covered by most commercial insurances unlike surgery. There is no out-of-network fee associated with ear molding. Risks from ear molding are minimal and include partial relapse of the deformity and an occasional blister from pressure which will heal uneventful. Ear molds are removed in our office using a solvent to help loosen the glue of the tape and remove without discomfort.

Dr. Bastidas is pediatric plastic surgeon specializing in newborn ear deformities and is based in Long Island with Northwell Health. He is par with most commercial insurances and commercial medicaid insurances. We have performed over 1000 ear molds over the last 8 years and are the regional specialists in the nation.

Our long island office is open Mon-Friday, 8am-4pm, and is located @ 1991 marcus ave, suite 102 in Lake Success, NY. Please contact us today to make an appointment.

Long Island

Ear Molding and EarWell® Systems in Long Island

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