We understand the importance of providing compassionate and specialized care for little ones, while giving new mothers reassurance about their baby’s wellbeing during the entire process. Our skilled team prioritizes both comfort and beauty when treating congenital anomalies like preauricular skin tags and cleft ears, while the baby contently sleeps through the procedure without even feeling anything.
A cleft ear is a rare congenital condition where the earlobe is split. Using skilled surgical techniques, the ERA team reconstructs the ear to create a natural, symmetrical, and beautiful outcome. Our compassionate approach ensures that your child receives the highest level of care while achieving a transformed and natural look.
READ FAQsEar molding is a non-invasive procedure designed to reshape the cartilage in your baby’s ears to create a normal shape and prevent them from sticking out. The effectiveness of this procedure is highest when performed early – ideally before the baby is two weeks old.
READ FAQs
Preauricular skin tags by the ear, though harmless, can be a cosmetic concern for parents. We provide a safe and specialized removal process for newborns and infants. Our skilled approach ensures a gentle procedure, followed by meticulous stitching to minimize scarring and promote smooth healing, ensuring your baby’s comfort and your peace of mind.
READ FAQsSee our dedication to the youngest in our gallery of newborn and infant procedures. Addressing congenital defects with delicate precision, we create brighter beginnings.
You deserve attentive, personalized care that puts your comfort at the forefront. At ERA Plastic Surgery, Ester Raizy Akerman, PA-C. takes the time to explain, to reassure, and to achieve exceptional results that help you feel and look your best.
A cleft ear is a congenital condition where the ear has a split or gap in its structure, often resembling a small notch or cleft in the earlobe.
Cleft ear repair involves reconstructing the ear’s shape and structure to correct the cleft or notch. The procedure is done with stitches, which stay in for approximately 10 days.
No, ear molding does not cause any pain. The molds are made from soft, flexible materials that are designed to minimize irritation.
The InfantEar™ mold is a specialized mold we use in ear molding procedures to gently reshape a baby’s ears. It is designed to correct deformities and prevent ears from sticking out. We will need to shave some hair behind the baby’s ears in order to stick the adhesive that the mold attaches to.
The InfantEar™ mold is designed to stay on your child for approximately four weeks.
The mold can not get wet, as that can lead to infection. You can, however, carefully clean around the mold with a damp cloth. During feedings, take care to prevent formula or breast milk from entering the mold.
Ear molding is most effective when started before the baby is two weeks old. If your baby is older, it will require two rounds of treatment.
Yes, ear deformities can be corrected later in life with a surgical procedure called otoplasty. However, otoplasty is more invasive and costly compared to early interventions like ear molding.
A preauricular skin tag is a small piece of extra skin that is present on or near the front of the ear, typically around the external ear canal. It’s a common congenital condition and is generally harmless.
The area is first numbed with local anesthesia. Then, the skin tag is removed — including the cartilaginous root. It is then stitched up and covered with steri-strips, and stitches are removed at a follow-up appointment 5 days later. This procedure is usually done before the baby is two months old, with the baby sleeping through the procedure to make it easier on both child and parent.
Preauricular tags are a piece of skin that has cartilage with a root. Therefore, they will grow back if the cartilaginous root is not excised, such as when it is snipped at the pediatricians’ office. We remove the tag entirely including the root, so it does not grow back.
We recommend undergoing cleft ear repair or preauricular skin tag removal ideally before two months of age, as the baby will sleep through the procedure. However, the procedures can be performed later as well.
No. All procedures are done in the office using local anesthesia.
No. The area is numbed, so your baby won’t feel anything.
We ask that you keep the wound area dry for the first 24 hours.
The patient will need to wear steri-strips (thin adhesive bandages) until the area is no longer pink, which usually takes around 2-3 months for newborns. You will need to replace steri-strips whenever they fall off or become very dirty.
There is usually no scar with babies, especially if the procedure is done right away. It is often impossible to tell that anything was ever there.
We know that you want the best for your child, and we understand that you may have concerns before pursuing treatment. Rest assured that we’re here to help you make the best choice for you and your child.