Microtia Surgery & Ear Reconstruction | Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mutaf

What is Microtia?

Around the world, 1 in every 10,000 babies is born without developing the auricle. This condition, which is called “MICROTIA” in the medical literature, is a congenital developmental anomaly that affects the ear canal and middle ear structures as well as the auricle.

1st Degree

2nd Degree - Conchal Type

3rd Degree - Lobule Type

4th Degree - Anotia

WHAT CAUSES MICROTIA?

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MICROTIA?

In the light of the information obtained from researches on the formation mechanism, even if it is believed that this situation occurs due to the insufficiency of the Stapedial Artery, which is the main vessel that provides blood circulation, the factors affecting this vessel have not yet been clarified.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD IS BORN WITH MICROTIA?

If you are reading these lines, it is obvious that you have a child born with microtia or you are an individual with microtia. We aimed for this website to be a guide for what will happen from the birth of a child with microtia, including examinations and treatments...

READ MORE >>>

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS AND TESTS

In children with microtia, the hearing screening test...

READ MORE >>>

MICROTIA TREATMENT OPTIONS

Methods used to reconstruct a new auricle in children born without a developed ear are basically divided into two groups: “ALLOPLASTIC” methods using synthetic materials and “AUTOGENOUS” methods that perform ear reconstruction using the patient's own tissues... read more >>>

WITH HUMAN'S OWN TISSUES

HOW IS AN AUTOLOGOUS EAR RECONSTRUCTION PERFORMED?

SURGICAL INFORMATION

The most preferred method in the world for the treatment of microtia, "auricular reconstruction with human's own tissues" is completed with 2 surgeries performed under general anesthesia with an interval of at least 6 months. We also provide specialized solutions for patients who have had unsuccessful previous operations...

WHY I DO NOT PREFER ARTIFICIAL SOLUTIONS?

As a physician and a father, I have always asked the question "IF THE PATIENT WERE MY OWN CHILD, WOULD I PERFORM THIS SURGERY ON THEM?" throughout my professional life. I have been a follower of this ethical value throughout my career. I have avoided applying practices whose effectiveness has not been proven by clinical studies to my patients. When I evaluate current methods for ear reconstruction with the same perspective, I decided absolutely not to use ear implants made of polyethylene, a petroleum derivative, which have been reported to have serious side effects in unbiased clinical studies.

In order to create an alternative to these artificial materials that are incompatible with the human body, our work as scientists to create ear auricles by producing "artificial cartilage" from stem cells continues. However, the results of ear reconstructions performed by transplanting cartilage models produced in the form of an ear in the laboratory into the human body are not yet at the desired level.

CONSEQUENTLY, AS OF TODAY, THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION THAT CAN REPLACE AN EAR RECONSTRUCTED FROM THE PERSON'S OWN TISSUES!

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mutaf

Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Scientific Comparison and Reference Table

To find the answers to your questions, please carefully examine the comparative table reflecting the results of international scientific studies, comparing natural cartilage and artificial implant methods.

View the Table

They Are Now "HAPPY" Children

Each child who comes to our clinic from different parts of our country and the world for microtia treatment is unique and special. I chat with them, asking about their dreams and what they want to be in the future. Each one has a different answer, a different dream.

When I look into their eyes as I send them off to their new lives after ear reconstruction, I see the same thing every single time: immense happiness and a complete sense of self-confidence. I know that they are now ready for life, to write their own stories, and to walk their own paths.

Yes, I believe with all my heart that they can achieve this because I know that being born with small ears is no obstacle to becoming a “great person.” May their paths be clear.

See All Photos >>

OUR RESULTS

MICROTIA & HEARING

CAN AN EAR WITH MICROTIA HEAR?

Hearing function is vital for a child's speech, social, and academic success. While a hearing aid is often not required for unilateral microtia...

IS EAR CANAL RECONSTRUCTION NECESSARY?

This is one of the most common questions from parents. To make a decision, a computed tomography (CT) scan performed after the age of 5 is required...

HOW DOES A CHILD WITH MICROTIA FEEL?

Starting from age 4, children begin to ask questions about their bodies. As they notice their differences, the mocking behavior of other children...

HAPPINESS SPREADING FROM TURKIYE TO THE WORLD

“THE TURKISH EAR” World Center for Microtia

Families from all corners of the globe choose Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mutaf for their children's auricular reconstruction. Dr. Mutaf, world-renowned for his ability to reconstruct ears using the patient's own tissues, has pioneered a 2-stage technique known as "THE TURKISH EAR," which has broken new ground globally in terms of the quality of its results.

This technique has been embraced on international platforms as the new "Gold Standard" in the field of ear reconstruction.

Dr. Mutaf's extensive experience enhances the quality of life for our young patients, not only in ear reconstruction but also in challenging cases such as accompanying facial clefts, jaw deformities, and Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM).

★ EXPORTING HAPPINESS FROM TURKIYE TO THE WORLD

WATCH CLINIC OVERVIEW

With a Debt of Gratitude

A TRIBUTE TO THE MASTERS

«I owe so much to the legendary masters Dr. Satoru Nagata and Dr. Françoise Firmin, who have been my greatest sources of inspiration while developing my own ear reconstruction techniques...»

Without their pioneering work, neither I nor my other colleagues would have been able to achieve these results. For this reason, I wanted you—the members of the Microtia family reading this website—to know these two magnificent individuals. Sadly, we lost Master Nagata in 2022; I bow with respect before his memory. As for Master Firmin, she has retired after a brilliant career. I wish her a happy, healthy, and long life.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mutaf

Satoru Nagata

Françoise Firmin

MAKING A TREATMENT PLAN AFTER EXAMINATION AND CLINICAL EVALUATION

During the FIRST EXAMINATION, the type of microtia and any accompanying additional anomalies are determined. In addition, the physical and psychological development of the child is evaluated. Families are informed about treatment alternatives by answering their questions. It is important that you get answers to all the questions that come to your mind during this interview. If the patient is over 5 years old, after the examination and photographic imaging, he is directed to the hospital and ear and chest tomography are taken. By evaluating the tomographies, it is decided whether the patient is ready for ear production. The result is reported to the family and an appointment for surgery is made at the request of the family in patients who are suitable for surgery.

VIDEO CONSULTATION

For our patients who have problems in coming to an examination or interview because they live in distant cities or abroad, we are able to evaluate patients and answer your questions about treatment options through live connections provided through communication applications such as SKYPE or ZOOM, using the technological opportunities offered to us today. You can contact us on our communication line at 0533 711 1885 during working hours to book a paid online CONSULTATION appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions >>

Microtia

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD BORN WITH MICROTIA?

ARE YOU AN ADULT BORN WITH MICROTIA?

HAVE YOU HAD UNSUCCESSFUL SURGERY?