Many babies are born each year with irregularly shaped ears or other ear deformities. While this can be upsetting to discover as a new parent, there’s no need to panic, as non-surgical ear molding treatments are often able to restore a normal ear shape in as little as six weeks of treatment.

What is EarWell™?

EarWell™ Infant Ear Deformity Correction System is an ear molding and infant ear molding device designed for newborns with mild ear deformities that lead to cosmetic and possibly functional problems.

Invented by Steve Byrd, the EarWell system uses specialized components, including a soft flexible ear covering and ear mold, that gently reshapes the child’s ear. The soft flexible ear material is designed to address external ear challenges and various ear shapes, including ears that stick out or have ear abnormalities.

The device consists of a posterior shell, soft rubber retractors to help shape the ear, a former for the bowl of the ear, and a soft rubber lid that helps to hold the components in place. This cradle is placed around the child’s ear to gently pull the various structures of the ear into a normal position over the course of treatment.

The treatment is painless and does not require anesthesia, making it a non-surgical correction option for correcting infant ear deformities. The best outcomes are achieved with early treatment, ideally within three weeks of birth, when the ear cartilage is most pliable due to the infant’s age. The device is typically worn for several weeks to achieve lasting results.

Many parents choose this option to avoid future surgery. EarWell treatment has a high success rate, with most infant ear deformities corrected and treated effectively, leading to positive outcomes. Compared to surgery, EarWell treatment is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia.

The device is effective for correcting infant ear deformities, including ear abnormalities and ears that stick out. Newborns and children benefit most from early intervention, and many parents seek this treatment to prevent self-consciousness and the need for future surgery. EarWell works well because, early on, infants’ ears are soft and pliable, and they’re able to be repositioned up to 3 to 5 months after birth.

EarWell™ is a safe and effective way to treat misshapen ears under the care of an expert in facial and ear anatomy, like Dr. Cote. In many cases, EarWell prevents the need for ear surgery later in life, although there may be complications down the line that can’t be predicted until the ears are fully developed. Dr. Cote reports that there is about a 90% effectiveness rate with EarWell with very highly satisfying results.

How Do I Know if My Baby Needs Ear Reshaping?

The physical appearance of an ear deformity is usually enough to warrant interest in ear molding treatments. Up to a third of all births include some ear deformity, a purely cosmetic concern, or malformation, which occurs when tissue or cartilage is missing. Ear abnormalities and infant ear deformities are common reasons for seeking consultation. In some cases, the mildest deformities can disappear on their own, but it’s still possible you can benefit from pursuing this procedure.

Many parents hope that infant ear deformities will self-correct, but early intervention is often recommended to achieve the best results. Even if you’re not sure if the appearance of your baby’s ears makes them eligible for EarWell, a consultation with Dr. Cote should be the first step toward treatment, as he can diagnose any problems and let you know whether you’re eligible for this procedure. Correcting these issues early can prevent the need for surgery later.

It’s important not to trust infant ear repositioning to anyone besides a trained EarWell physician like Dr. Cote.

Who Can Get EarWell™?

EarWell™ is for babies under 5 months old (the younger, the better), ideally within the first few weeks of life when newborns’ ears are most pliable. Deformities such as prominent ears, ear cupping, abnormal cartilage folding, ear helical rim issues, and “buried ear” can be solved by EarWell.

Early intervention can significantly improve a child’s ears and ear shapes, helping to prevent future issues as children grow. Issues such as microtia (“little ear”) that result in underdeveloped ears both externally and internally will likely need to be solved with corrective surgery, which Dr. Cote can also address during a consultation.

What to Expect From EarWell™

In short, expect to see a normal-looking, healthy ear or ears by the end of treatment. The device is typically worn for several weeks to achieve the desired outcome. Most babies are treated successfully, and their ears are corrected to a natural shape.

After initially installing the EarWell device around your baby’s ears, Dr. Cote will send you home to continue normal care for your child. Once a week, you’ll come in for a quick appointment during which Dr. Cote will adjust the device to gradually move the ears into a more normal position. A typical treatment takes 6 weeks and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child will grow into normal-looking ears with long-term results and lasting results for ear deformities.

If your baby’s EarWell falls off, we can replace the device in the office. It is important to let us know as soon as possible if the device becomes loose to ensure the best results. Although it can’t be guaranteed, increasingly more health insurers are covering some or all of the cost for EarWell, depending on the circumstances and diagnosis.

Recovery From EarWell™

As a non-surgical procedure, EarWell is painless, does not require anesthesia, and there’s no downtime or recovery time necessary. The risks of side effects include irritation in the area the device is applied to, low-grade infections, and the potential need for correction later in life, but any minor complications, such as skin irritation, can be effectively treated.

Gallery

Before and After

EarWell is a non-invasive ear molding treatment for infants with mild ear deformities. The EarWell device is a soft rubber mold that is safely provided by our double board-certified otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons.

 

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*actual patient of EarWell™ Cosmetic Surgery

Schedule A Consultation in Denver & Lone Tree

To learn more about EarWell’s fantastic reputation as a pain-free and highly effective way to reshape babies’ ears, schedule a consultation with board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Cote or Dr. Nicolette Picerno today. They can examine your baby’s ears and provide a recommendation for treatment to help restore a normal appearance. Get started by calling our office or contacting us online today.

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Christopher Cote, M.D.

Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery | Website

Dr. Christopher Cote is a double-board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon and head and neck surgeon by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. He received his medical degree from Tufts University and performed his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center, fellowship training at Johns Hopkins university. His specialties include aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty, facelifts and brow lifts, and others minimal invasive procedures.  He is also a clinical instructor to Plastic Surgery residents at University of Colorado, and recently received recognition on Newsweek’s Americas best rhinoplasty surgeons. When not assisting patients, Dr. Cote enjoys spending time hiking, skiing, and traveling with his wife and kids.