Frequetly asked questions - Microtia Germany

Cost of treatment and coverage by health insurance

For patients who reside in the Federal Republic of Germany and have national health insurance, the costs of hearing rehabilitation, for example hearing implants, are fully covered by health insurance. Auricular reconstruction is partially covered by health insurance.

For patients residing outside the Federal Republic of Germany, an individual cost estimate will be provided for the complete costs of hearing rehabilitation or auricular reconstruction. The patient himself must clarify whether the treatment will be covered by the respective national health insurance.

Length of stay in Luebeck

For hearing implants, the total length of stay is 4-5 days. In the case of ear reconstructions, regular check-ups in the office are necessary during the first two weeks after the operation. Therefore, plan a stay in Luebeck for two weeks (national patients) or four weeks (international patients).

Aftercare of the new ear

During the first week after surgery, the ear will be covered by a permanent bandage that does not need to be changed. This will be removed after one week. After that, a permanent dressing will be applied again if necessary, or daily dressing changes will already take place. After two weeks, the skin grafts are intensively cleaned and crusts are removed.

From the second week onwards, you will carry out the cleaning and care yourself. For this purpose, you will be precisely instructed by us and you will receive a care set with all necessary materials and medication. In total, a special plastic cup must be worn for 3 weeks to protect the ear all day and for another 2-3 weeks at night. After 6 weeks, all normal activities (sports, swimming, etc.) can be resumed.

Intensive care is required for up to three months after surgery, which is monitored and managed by us with regular photos.

Necessary number of operations

Reconstruction with rib cartilage requires two surgeries at least 3 months apart. Reconstruction with 3D SuPor® requires one surgery. For both methods, it may be necessary to have another surgery for fine corrections in the further course of treatment.

Rejection reaction against the new ear

The term “rejection” is often used in connection with ear reconstruction with porous implants. The body’s immune system can only “reject” living, foreign tissue, such as an organ transplant. The porous polyethylene as a synthetic material is thus not rejected, but integrated into the organism as a foreign body, such as an artificial hip. Exposure of the implant may occur if there is a problem of blood circulation with the covering tissue flap in the first weeks after the operation. This can also occur when rib cartilage is used.

Consequences & risks of rib cartilage ear surgery

The possible consequences and risks of the surgery will be explained to you in a detailed and personal consultation. The following should serve as a brief overview:

Removal of the rib cartilage causes local pain for several days, which is treated with a pain pump. Long-term restrictions in the area of the chest (pain, restricted movement) fortunately occur only occasionally. Injury to the costal pleura is very rare in experienced hands. Chest deformity can occur if too much cartilage is removed when the chest is too small.

Infections and wound healing problems can occur in the area of ear reconstruction. If detected early enough, they can be treated without long-term consequences with local care, medication, and minor follow-up surgery if necessary. Patients who had an infection or wound healing disorder in the initial phase may experience deformation of the cartilage framework years after surgery. Isolated exposure of the suture material may occur. Nerve damage (facial nerve) is very rare.

Consequences & risks of 3D SuPor® ear

The possible consequences and risks of the surgery will be explained to you in a detailed and personal consultation. The following should serve as a brief overview:

Infections and wound healing problems can occur in the area of ear reconstruction. If detected early enough, they can be treated without long-term consequences with local care, medication, and minor follow-up surgery if necessary. Major circulatory disturbances of the flap can lead to exposure of the implant, which then requires surgery. Fraktures of the implant are now an exception.

A feeling of numbness develops in the area of the flap removal site (scalp), which almost completely disappears after months. Occasionally, there is temporary hair loss, which in rare cases can be permanent in small areas. More often, there is a temporary increase in scaling of the scalp. In the immediate vicinity of the flap runs the so-called facial nerve, which controls the movement of the face. The nerve branch for the forehead and eyebrow may occasionally be temporarily paralyzed. Permanent damage is also rare here.

Emergencies & Injuries

Infections, injuries and insect bites can cause bleeding and swelling on reconstructed ears (rib and polyethylene). It is crucial that the framework continues to be covered with tissue. Then the ear will heal on its own, with the help of medication if necessary.

We will provide you with an emergency contact where you can get medical advice and help in the shortest possible time.