"For infants with congenital malformations of the ear a treatment system called EarWell can gently reshape the earavoiding the pain and cost of later surgery reports a study in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery httpjournals.lww.complasreconsurg the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons http ASPS.  But treatment must begin earlypreferably within the first three weeks after birth according to the study by ASPS Member Surgeon H. Steve Byrd MD and colleagues of Pediatric Plastic Surgery Institute Dallas. Dr. Byrd comments The EarWell system is effective in eliminating or reducing the need for surgery in all but the most severe congenital ear malformations.  Nonsurgical Treatment Avoids Later Consequences of Infant Ear Malformations  The researchers review their experience with nonsurgical correction of congenital ear malformations in  infants. The EarWell system is a relatively simple technique for molding and reshaping the ear taking advantage of the increased malleability of the ear cartilage in newborns. For best results treatment should start within the first three weeks after birth or correspondingly later in infants born prematurely.  The technique and length of EarWell treatment varies according to the type and severity of the infants ear deformity. Dr. Byrd and colleagues present a classification system and technical details for plastic surgeons to follow in evaluating the best treatment for specific types of malformations. For most infants in the study both ears were treated for a total of  ears. Ninetyeight percent of infants had relatively mild constrictedtype ear deformities. EarWell treatment started at an average age of  days and continued for  days including an average of six followup visits to the plastic surgeons office. EarWell treatment was highly successful in correcting or reducing the severity of congenital ear malformations. Results were judged good to excellent in  percent of ears with one simple deformity and  percent with more complex mixed deformities. About  percent of ears with constricted malformations were graded as having no deformity after treatment. Complications consisted mainly of skin injuries that healed without further problems. In eight cases treatment had to be stopped because of an allergic reaction to the adhesive tape used. While the EarWell system is not new the report is the largest study of congenital ear malformations treated with this approachincluding a standardized approach to treatment and assessment of the results. The results strongly support its use especially in infants with deformities and lesssevere malformations.  But lack of awareness of this nonsurgical alternative is a key limiting factor. The opportunity for early treatment can be hampered by a failure to convince pediatricians that the majority of misshapen newborn ears do not selfcorrect Dr. Byrd and coauthors write. They also point out that EarWell is highly successful in the treatment of prominent earsa condition that commonly goes unnoticed by parents and pediatricians but is likely to get worse as the child grows. While we can operate on ears later in the patients life waiting not only increases the surgerys difficulty and expense but may expose the child to teasing bullying and loss of selfesteem comments EditorinChief Rod J. Rohrich MD in a featured video on the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery httpjournals.lww.complasreconsurg website. If your baby has any type of ear deformity plastic surgeons can help with or without surgery. Discuss nonsurgical ear molding alternatives with your pediatrician and consult with a boardcertified plastic surgeon...the earlier the better  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery httpjournals.lww.complasreconsurg is published by Wolters Kluwer http Click here to read Classification of Newborn Ear Malformations and their Treatment with the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System. httpjournals.lww.complasreconsurgFulltextClassification_of_Newborn_Ear_Malformations_and..aspx Article Classification of Newborn Ear Malformations and their Treatment with the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System doi .PRS. About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery  For more than  years Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery http has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery brings subscribers uptotheminute reports on the latest techniques and followup for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery including breast reconstruction experimental studies maxillofacial reconstruction hand and microsurgery burn repair and cosmetic surgery as well as news on medicolegal issues About ASPS  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons http is the largest organization of boardcertified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than  physician members the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than  percent of all boardcertified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in  the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. About Wolters Kluwer  Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services. Professionals in the areas of legal business tax accounting finance audit risk compliance and healthcare rely on Wolters Kluwers market leading informationenabled tools and software solutions to manage their business efficiently deliver results to their clients and succeed in an ever more dynamic world.  Wolters Kluwer reported  annual revenues of . billion. The group serves customers in over  countries and employs over  people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam WKL and are included in the AEX and Euronext  indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level  American Depositary Receipt program. The ADRs are traded on the overthecounter market in the U.S. WTKWY. Wolters Kluwer Health is a leading global provider of information and point of care solutions for the healthcare industry. 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