While most congenital ear deformities require treatment immediately after birth to be corrected without surgery, embedded ear deformity (Tai vùi) is one exception. In many cases, this condition can still be treated non-surgically even beyond the newborn period , sometimes up to five years of age . For children whose embedded ear deformity involves a normal cartilage framework that is simply buried under the skin , long-term ear molding can be an effective option. In these cases, the cartilage does not need to be soft and flexible, unlike many neonatal ear deformities that must be corrected within the first weeks of life. Specialists may use the EarWell™ Infant Ear Correction System —a device designed to reshape the ear—to release the buried cartilage and gradually expand the overlying skin needed to expose the newly positioned ear structure. Benefits of the EarWell™ System (Based on Clinical Research and Practice) 📌 This information is for general reference only. Please follow your doctor’s guidance for individual cases. 📩 For personalized consultation (confidential and private), please contact us: 📞 0974.700.600 – 0866.900.800

A five-year-old boy with congenital hemifacial atrophy accompanied by microtia has successfully undergone reconstructive surgery at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, achieving a more symmetrical and aesthetically balanced appearance before entering first grade. Before this intervention, the child, N.B.N., had visited several medical facilities where doctors recommended ear reconstruction using rib cartilage. This traditional method typically requires two to four separate surgeries and can only be performed once a child reaches 10–12 years of age , when the chest wall is large and strong enough to provide sufficient cartilage. In addition, correcting facial asymmetry would usually require jaw osteotomy , a major procedure with significant risks and potential complications. After further research, the family brought the child to the Department of Maxillofacial and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital for consultation. Following examination, the surgical team recommended single-stage ear reconstruction using a Medpor framework , combined with autologous fat grafting enriched with stem cells to restore volume to the atrophic side of the face. According to Dr. Nguyễn Hồng Hà, Head of the Department, autologous fat grafting can be performed either immediately after ear reconstruction or simultaneously in one procedure. This technique carries far fewer risks than major bone surgery and offers a safer, less invasive option for young children. The successful outcome was made possible through the application of advanced techniques in microsurgery, aesthetic endoscopy , and modern methods for one-stage ear reconstruction combined with stem-cell–rich fat grafting . After surgery, the child achieved a well-shaped, natural-looking ear and a more symmetrical face, significantly improving his confidence before starting school. Dr. Hà explained that various treatment options exist for hemifacial atrophy, each with its own advantages and limitations. Microsurgical fat flaps can provide large volumes of tissue immediately, but the fat often distributes unevenly, and operations may be long and carry high complication risks. Bone distraction techniques can increase skeletal volume but have limited impact on soft-tissue fullness and require multiple interventions over an extended period. Traditional fat grafting is commonly used to correct facial asymmetry, as it offers soft, natural tissue suitable for contouring shallow or uneven areas. However, a major drawback is that 60–80% of the grafted fat may resorb , often requiring several repeat procedures without guaranteed long-term results. “To address these limitations, in recent years we have developed and applied stem-cell–enhanced fat grafting for patients with hemifacial atrophy or facial asymmetry,” Dr. Hà noted. “This approach improves graft survival rates, reduces the number of procedures needed, and achieves more stable outcomes.” He added that autologous fat is a fully biocompatible biological material, making it far safer and less likely to cause rejection or complications compared to synthetic fillers currently available on the market.

Congenital auricular deformities refer to structural or functional abnormalities of the external ear that are present from birth. While not all deformities directly affect a child’s health, the psychological and aesthetic consequences can be significant. This article provides an overview of the most common congenital ear deformities, their causes, and how they may affect children. 1. What Are Congenital Auricular Deformities? 1.1. How the Ear Develops in the Fetus Around the 4th week of pregnancy , the first tissue buds that form the ear begin to appear from the branchial arches. At this stage, embryonic tissues start developing into the early structures of the outer, middle, and inner ear. By week 9 , the auricle (outer ear) starts to move from its initial low position near the neck toward the sides of the head. The ear contours, folds, and curves become more distinct. The middle ear structures, including the eardrum and ossicles, continue to mature. By week 20 , the outer ear has nearly reached its final shape, while the middle and inner ear continue developing to prepare for hearing function. Any disruptions during this developmental process may lead to congenital ear deformities. 1.2. Definition of Congenital Auricular Deformities Congenital auricular deformities include abnormalities in the shape, size, or structure of the outer ear that occur during fetal development. Affected children may have one or both ears involved. Common features include: 2. Main Causes of Congenital Auricular Deformities Genetic Factors Inherited traits from parents can increase the risk of congenital ear deformities. Families with a history of ear anomalies may have a higher likelihood of similar conditions in children. Genetic Mutations During Pregnancy The outer ear forms between weeks 4–6 of gestation . Any disruption during this critical period—including abnormal cell division or genetic mutations—may result in a deformity. Environmental Influences Harmful maternal exposures such as unsafe medications, toxic chemicals, radiation, alcohol, or certain stimulants can negatively affect fetal development. Poor Maternal Nutrition Deficiencies in folic acid or essential nutrients during pregnancy can also raise the risk of congenital anomalies. 3. Common Types of Congenital Auricular Deformities 3.1. Microtia (Small Ear) Microtia refers to an underdeveloped or abnormally small outer ear. Severity varies: 3.2. Anotia (Absence of the External Ear) Anotia is a rare but severe condition where the child is born without an external ear . This deformity often involves issues with the middle and inner ear as well, leading to: 3.3. Protruding Ear (Prominent Ear) This condition occurs when the ear sticks out at an abnormally wide angle from the head, disrupting facial symmetry. It is commonly caused by improper cartilage development or weak ear cartilage. 3.4. Asymmetrical Ears This involves a difference in ear size or shape between the two sides, making the face appear imbalanced. 4. How Congenital Auricular Deformities Affect Children 4.1. Reduced Aesthetic Appearance Visible ear deformities may cause facial imbalance, affecting overall appearance. Children with noticeable differences may experience: Severe deformities such as microtia or anotia are particularly noticeable and may lead to early psychological distress. 4.2. Hearing Impairment Some deformities affect the outer or middle ear, interfering with sound conduction. These children may hear primarily with one ear, leading to: 4.3. Psychological Impact Children with ear deformities often face emotional stress at a young age. They may feel different, become withdrawn, or be targets of bullying. Over time, this may result in: Support from family and school is essential to help children build confidence. 4.4. Increased Risk of Infections Certain structural abnormalities make the ear more vulnerable to infections, especially when exposed to water, sweat, or dust. 5. Treatment Options The primary treatment for congenital auricular deformities is auricular reconstruction , which may involve: The choice of method depends on the child’s condition, age, severity of deformity, and family preference. The goal is to restore a natural-looking ear and improve the child’s quality of life.

A buried ear deformity occurs when the upper part of the ear is partially or completely “buried” under the skin of the side of the head, causing the natural groove between the ear and the scalp to disappear. While some mild cases can be corrected through non-surgical molding techniques , more severe or late-detected cases often require ear reconstruction surgery (otoplasty) to restore both the ear’s structure and appearance. The Surgical Process Buried ear reconstruction surgery is a delicate procedure performed by specialists in facial and ear plastic surgery. The procedure typically includes the following steps: Benefits of Surgical Correction Recovery and Postoperative Care Doctor's Advice Early detection and timely treatment make correction easier and produce more natural and aesthetic results. If you notice signs such as buried ear, folded ear, or underdeveloped ear , it is recommended to bring your child to a qualified specialist for proper assessment and advice. All information in this article is for general reference and should not replace medical diagnosis or doctor’s instructions. Please follow your physician’s guidance for your specific case. For detailed and confidential consultation, please contact us: 0974.700.600 – 0866.900.800 This content is professional and intended for health education purposes for adults aged 18 and above.