Microtia cartilage surgery, which aims to reconstruct the defective or malformed external ear using rib cartilage, has many misconceptions. The misunderstanding about the surgery has led many patients to avoid or delay seeking appropriate care, experience unnecessary anxiety and increased risk of complications, and have unrealistic expectations and disappointment. To avoid more patients facing such negative consequences, this post focuses on busting the 10 myths that revolve around microtia cartilage surgery.

Taking facts about the surgery from Dr. Parag Telang, a top-tier reconstructive surgeon for Ear Reshaping Surgery in Mumbai at The Microtia Trust, ensures that patients make informed decisions, actively participate in the care provided, and feel very confident of their own choice.

To learn more about the surgery, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parag Telang, now.

Myth 1: Microtia surgery always involves cartilage removal.

Fact- Microtia cartilage surgery mostly involves harvesting the cartilage from the patient’s 6th to 8th ribs to create a new ear framework and even remove any existing abnormal cartilage. However, not all microtia repairs involve cartilage removal. Some microtia cases may be treated by other ear reconstruction methods like placing of ear implant or others without cartilage removal.

Myth 2: Microtia cartilage surgery is a frivolous cosmetic procedure.

Fact- Microtia cartilage surgery is a serious procedure of reconstructing the external ear, done primarily for aesthetic purposes. It helps correct microtia defects, improve ear appearance, and enhance the patient’s esteem. However, it may even be considered along with other procedures to address microtia-associated hearing loss.  

Myth 3: Microtia cartilage surgery is a lengthy procedure.

Fact- As microtia repair using rib cartilage involves 2 to 4 separate surgeries, it is done in two stages. The first stage involves harvesting the patient’s rib cartilage and the creation and placement of a new, outer ear framework. The second stage aims at creating the natural appearance of a new ear with additional procedures like earlobe reconstruction, reconstruction of the concha bowl, elevation of the new framework, postauricular sulcus creation, and skin grafting. In some cases, additional refinements may also be performed like the creation of new tragus and stimulated ear canal.

Myth 4: Microtia cartilage surgery is a painful procedure.

Fact- Modern surgical techniques are used to perform microtia ear reconstruction which helps minimize pain and recovery time. The overall surgery experience is comfortable as the surgery is carried out under the effect of general anesthesia. After the operation, as the effect of anesthesia wears off, there is some discomfort that does not last long and can be relieved with pain-relieving medicine.

Myth 5: Any surgeon can perform microtia cartilage surgery.

Fact- Microtia cartilage surgery can only be executed by specialized plastic surgeons who hold extensive experience, artistic skills, and expertise in microtia ear reconstruction using rib cartilage grafts. The surgeon could be a certified ear reconstruction or plastic surgeon.

Myth 6: Microtia cartilage surgery is exclusively for children. 

Fact- The ideal age to undergo microtia cartilage surgery is often between 6 and 10 years when the ear has fully formed. But that doesn’t mean only children can go for the surgery, adults who have not undergone microtia repair in childhood are even eligible and can benefit from microtia ear reconstruction using rib cartilage. 

Myth 7: Microtia cartilage surgery provides immediate results.

Fact- Not at all, Microtia ear reconstruction using rib cartilage is done in stages and after every stage, there is a gap, so that tissues' natural integration and healing can take place. Once the healing is over, the results become apparent and that’s around three months following the surgery.

Myth 8: Microtia cartilage surgery is risk-free.

Fact- Although the risks and complications are rare when the surgery is done by an experienced surgeon. But, like other surgeries, the potential risks are bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related complications, asymmetry in the reconstructed ear, graft complications, scarring, skin necrosis, graft site complications, and changes in sensation.

Myth 9: Recovery from microtia cartilage surgery is difficult and lengthy.

Fact- The recovery from the initial stage of the surgery may be demanding but manageable but the second stage of recovery is shorter.

Myth 10:  Microtia cartilage surgery leaves noticeable scars.

Fact- Skilled plastic surgeons utilize advanced techniques and make hidden incisions that leave behind unnoticeable scars.

If interested in Microtia Surgery in Mumbai, India, do visit the Microtia Trust, a centre for microtia ear surgery. It has the best ear reconstruction surgeon and a team of experts to deliver safe and outstanding results. Visit for details