About Infant Ear Molding
Infant ear molding molds consist of the same material used in dental impressions. This is because this material is firm enough to reshape cartilage, but is still gentle on the skin. Our surgeons use splints to hold the molds in place, and these are secured by adhesive tape. The molding process takes up to three to four visits and replaced every two to three weeks. Staff members at My Houston Surgeons photograph each patient, using before and after imaging to show gradual change in ear development as they continue the reshaping process. The infant patient is required to wear the molds for 24 hours a day. Due to normal wear, their molds and adhesives will need to be reinforced and reapplied as needed.
Recovery & Success Rate
Infant ear molding has a high success rate. The treatment improves appearance, and in most cases, no future surgery is required. In the very few cases where the infant requires additional surgery, their deformity will be lessened by the ear mold, helping improve the infant’s need for extensive ear reconstructive surgery later on. Because ear molding is a non-invasive procedure, no recovery time is necessary. The only aftercare involves the infant’s caregivers reapplying the adhesives when necessary, to ensure the molds reshape the baby’s ears as they are supposed to.
