who Needs it:
Those With MICROTIA:
Someone born with a small, deformed ear or ANOTIA - no ear.
Those Who Have Been INJURED:
Someone that sustained partial or total loss of an ear due to trauma.
Those Who've Had SURGICAL REMOVAL:
Someone that had partial or total loss of an ear due to cancer.
what is microtia:
MICROTIA is a Congenital Birth Defect: The outer ear is made up of cartilage, a connective tissue that develops in the womb, & in some cases, the growth of this tissue fails to progress properly.
MICROTIA is considered to be a very rare condition - It's estimated
that only 1 in 5,000 people are born with it.
MICROTIA typically only effects 1 ear but sometimes both are effected.
Varying Degrees Of Deformity:
GRADE I: Mild Deformity
GRADE II: Small Ear
GRADE III: Sausage or Peanut Shaped Ear (Most Common)
GRADE IV: Anotia or No Ear (Absent Ear)
who Needs it:
Those With MICROTIA:
Someone born with a small, deformed ear or ANOTIA - no ear.
Those Who Have Been INJURED:
Someone that sustained partial or total loss of an ear due to trauma.
Due To SURGICAL REMOVAL:
Someone that had partial or total loss of an ear due to cancer.
what is microtia:
MICROTIA is a Congenital Birth Defect: The outer ear is made up of cartilage, a connective tissue that develops in the womb, & in some cases, the growth of this tissue fails to progress properly.
MICROTIA is considered to be a very rare condition - It's estimated that only 1 in 5,000 people are born with it.
MICROTIA typically only effects 1 ear but sometimes both are effected.
Degrees Of Deformity:
GRADE I: Mild Deformity
GRADE II: Small Ear
GRADE III: Sausage or Peanut Shaped Ear (Most Common)
GRADE IV: Anotia or No Ear
Best timing For Children:
AGE-6: The ear will be 85% of its adult size, there is enough rib cartilage to sculpt the new ear & the child is more capable of being careful post surgery. This is also when most children become aware of the deformity, often due to teasing at school.
Best timing For Adults:
ANYTIME: Patients can start the reconstruction process immediately following the loss of an ear due to cancer or as the result of an accident.
Best practice:
RIB CARTILAGE IS ALWAYS BEST: In every case regardless of age, creating the Framework from the patient’s own rib cartilage provides the best chance of success & most natural looking results.
Best timing For Children:
AGE-6: The ear will be 85% of its adult size, there is enough rib cartilage to sculpt the new ear & the child is more capable of being careful post surgery. This is also when most children become aware of the deformity, often due to teasing at school.
Best timing For Adults:
ANYTIME: Patients can start the reconstruction process immediately following the loss of an ear due to cancer or as the result of an accident.
Best practice:
RIB CARTILAGE IS ALWAYS BEST: In every case regardless of age, creating the Framework from the patient’s own rib cartilage provides the best chance of success & most natural looking results.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
Microtia Severity
Using Marx Classification
The 4-Grades: Microtia is a congenital birth defect characterized by the outer ear having structural abnormalities. Typically, those born with
this condition only have one ear affected but sometimes they will be born with both ears microtic. Microtia is usually diagnosed at birth & the Marx Classification is a widely used system that grades this condition's severity based on the ear's appearance & structure.
Microtia Severity
Marx Classification
4-GRADES OF MICROTIA SEVERITY: Microtia is a Congenital Birth Defect that typically only effects one ear but sometimes patients will be born with both ears microtic. Beyond that, the severity of this condition has been classified into 4-Grades as seen below:
Grade I: Auricle is small but all the subunits are present.
Grade II: Auricle is small & subunits underdeveloped or absent.
Grade III: Small cartilage remnant with anterosuperior rotated lobule.
Grade IV: Anotia or no ear has no auricle or subunits present.
Click below to fill out the donation form. Here you can donate one time, many times or sign up for a monthly subscription. You can pick the amount you would like to spend (no amount is to small) & if you have a preference, you can even pick the procedure you'd like to donate to. Whatever you do, please know how grateful we are for your help today.
Click below to fill out the donation form. Here you can donate one time, many times or sign up for a monthly subscription. You can pick the amount you would like to spend (no amount is to small) & if you have a preference, you can even pick the procedure you'd like to donate to. Whatever you do, please know how grateful we are for your help today.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
Who's Eligible:
Eligibility is based on whether or not the patient's hearing bones & the anatomy underneath are intact.
A Consultation with an Otolaryngologist (ENT)
will determine if the internal ear components
are developed enough to restore hearing.
If so, it is possible that a New External Ear Canal
can be surgically created typically 6-months after
the External Ear Reconstruction is complete.
Who's Eligible:
Eligibility is based on weather or not the Patient's hearing bones & the anatomy underneath is intact.
A Consult with an Otolaryngologist (ENT) will determine if the internal ear components are developed enough to restore hearing.
If so, it is possible that a New External Ear Canal can be surgically created typically 6-months after the External Ear Reconstruction is completed.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
This Is True Surgical Sculpting: The Framework is created using the patient's own rib cartilage. The results achieved here depend largely on the surgeon’s artistic ability to mold & sculpt cartilage into an ear. Dr. Grant A. Fairbanks is able to combine his groundbreaking surgical skills with his advanced artistic abilities in order to achieve the most natural looking & feeling results possible. As you'll see, he not only excels at this procedure, he has helped advance it to where the final reconstructed ear not only looks more natural, it feels & often even grows more like a natural ear as well. Dr. Fairbanks begins this stage with careful planning using precise measurements, patterns, & plaster molds & casts made from both of the patient's ears & ends it by placing the Rib Cartilage Framework under the skin.
This Is True Surgical Sculpting:
The Framework is created using the patient's own rib cartilage. The results achieved here depend largely on the surgeon’s artistic ability to mold & sculpt cartilage into an ear. This process begins with careful planning using precise measurements, patterns, molds & plaster casts made from both of the patient's ears & it ends with the Rib Cartilage Framework being placed under the skin.
Placement Goes Under The Skin:
Once the Rib Cartilage Framework has been molded & sculpted to match the patient's other ear it is then placed under the skin.
Placement Goes Under The Skin:
Once the Rib Cartilage Framework has been molded & sculpted to match the patient's other ear it is then placed under the skin.
Performed 3-Months After Stage I:
During this 2nd Surgical Procedure
the existing earlobe is rotated down
& around into a more natural position.
Performed 3-Months After Stage I:
During this 2nd Surgical Procedure
the existing earlobe is rotated down
& around into a more natural position.
Performed 3-Months After Stage II:
Here, an incision is made around the
ear, it's lifted forward & elevated
from the head with a skin graft placed
behind it which creates the space
that exists behind all natural ears.
Performed 3-Months After Stage II:
Here, an incision is made around the
ear, it's lifted forward & elevated
from the head with a skin graft placed behind it which creates the space that exists behind all natural ears.
Performed 3-Months After Stage III:
This Stage is all about defining & typically
includes refining the trap door over the
ear canal (tragus) & the central cup
(concha). Plus, adding more cartilage
behind the ear to lift it out even further
so it matches the other natural ear.
Performed 3-Months After Stage III:
This Stage is all about defining & typically includes refining the trap door over the ear canal (tragus) & the central cup (concha). Plus, adding more cartilage behind the ear to lift it out even further so it matches the other natural ear.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
Progression Images were taken 3-months apart & show what each of the 4-Surgical Stages look like over the course of 1-year. The Rib
Cartilage Framework Technique used by Dr. Grant A. Fairbanks is the preferred method used worldwide & follows all of the procedure
protocols established by his Mentor & Teacher Dr. Burt Brent - the foremost authority on microtia. Dr. Fairbanks has personally found
that this technique can not only withstand injury & infection, similar to that of a natural ear, but many patients have reported experiencing
feeling sensations much like that of their other natural ear in the end as well.
Progression Images were taken 3 months apart & show what each of the 4 Surgical Stages look like over the course of one year. The Rib Cartilage Framework Technique used by Grant A. Fairbanks, MD is the preferred method used worldwide & follows the protocols & procedures established by Dr. Fairbanks' Mentor & Teacher, Dr. Burt Brent, the foremost authority on microtia. Dr. Fairbanks has personally found that this technique can not only withstand injury & infection, similar to that of a natural ear, but many patients have also reported experiencing feeling sensations much like that of their other natural ear in the end as well.
Microtic Ear:
Surgical Stage I:
Surgical Stage II:
Surgical Stage III:
Surgical Stage IV:
Microtic Ear:
Surgical Stage I:
Surgical Stage II:
Surgical Stage III:
Surgical Stage IV:
EAR RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
Fairbanks MD's Exclusive Fat Grafting Technique:
USING THE PATIENT'S OWN FAT TISSUE, Dr. Fairbanks has developed a technique that helps with healing & protecting the reconstructed ear.
He also uses it in Secondary Ear Reconstruction Procedures to enhance the shape & volume.
Rib Cartilage:
PATIENT'S OWN TISSUE is sculpted to recreate the ear framework.
Offers a natural, durable, & integrated structure.
Ear Cartilage:
PATIENT'S OWN TISSUE is taken from the opposite ear.
Used for partial reconstructions or smaller defects.
Skin Flaps:
PATIENT'S OWN TISSUE is harvested from skin near the ear.
Provides coverage over the framework or to close open wounds.
Skin Grafts:
PATIENT'S TISSUE is used to cover ear framework or larger wound areas.
Helps with healing & protecting the reconstructed ear.
Prosthetic Ear:
DOES NOT USE THE PATIENT'S OWN TISSUE, is a non-surgical option for patients unable or unwilling to undergo reconstruction.
Offers a cosmetic solution but does not restore sensation or function.
Synthetic Ear Frameworks (Medpor):
DOES NOT USE THE PATIENT'S OWN TISSUE, is made of a non-living material (porous polyethylene).
Has Higher Risks Of: Erosion through the skin, increased infection rate, often requires removal if complications arise, loss of protective sensation & natural reconstruction potential.
Not recommended due to high complication rate.
SECONDARY EAR RECONSTRUCTION or REVISION RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
who Needs Revision Reconstruction:
Those With MICROTIA:
Seeking to have revisionary reconstruction due to unsatisfactory results from a Primary Procedure performed by another surgeon.
Preferred METHOD:
Use of the existing Auricular Envelope for salvage of the Reconstructed Ear.
The normal external ear has a cartilage frame covered by a thin skin. The Rib Graft Cartilage Framework Technique used for Reconstruction of Microtia in Utah, as well as for other reasons, is the preferred method used worldwide. The Fairbanks’ technique is based on that of Dr. Burt Brent, the foremost authority on microtia.
The rib graft method allows Dr. Fairbanks to recreate the deformed ear to be more anatomic. It is a living ear, sculpted from the patient’s own tissues, which can withstand injury and infection similar to a natural ear. Dr. Fairbanks has found that this technique allows the patient to have Protective Sensation of the New Ear.
Those Who've Had SURGICAL REMOVAL:
Someone that had partial or total loss of an ear due to cancer.
who Needs it:
Those With MICROTIA:
Someone born with a small, deformed ear or ANOTIA - no ear.
Those Who Have Been INJURED:
Someone that sustained partial or total loss of an ear due to trauma.
Due To SURGICAL REMOVAL:
Someone that had partial or total loss of an ear due to cancer.
what is microtia:
Microtia is a Congenital Birth Defect: The outer ear is made up of cartilage, a connective tissue that develops in the womb, & in some cases, the growth of this tissue fails to progress properly.
Microtia is considered to be a very rare condition - It's estimated that only 1 in 5,000 people are born with it.
Microtia typically only effects 1 ear but sometimes both are effected.
Degrees Of Deformity:
GRADE I: Mild Deformity
GRADE II: Small Ear
GRADE III: Sausage or Peanut Shaped Ear (Most Common)
GRADE IV: Anotia or No Ear
SECONDARY EAR RECONSTRUCTION or REVISION RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
Click below to fill out the donation form. Here you can donate one time, many times or sign up for a monthly subscription. You can pick the amount you would like to spend (no amount is to small) & if you have a preference, you can even pick the procedure you'd like to donate to. Whatever you do, please know how grateful we are for your help today.
SECONDARY EAR RECONSTRUCTION or REVISION RECONSTRUCTION FOR MICROTIA PATIENT
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not constitute a promise or representation of any particular outcome or experience.
Pain Scale:
CHILDREN typically recover swiftly, often resuming normal activities within 3–4 days post-procedure. Parents frequently note that the primary challenge is ensuring their children rest adequately to facilitate proper healing.
ADULTS may experience a slightly prolonged recovery period. However, most report that any discomfort is manageable and that the outcomes justify the temporary inconvenience.
Recommended Time Off:
To ensure optimal healing and maintain the integrity of the grafted areas, the following downtime is strongly advised:
School &/or Work:
CHILDREN & ADULTS: Plan on taking at least 2-weeks off work &/or school. Could be more depending on individual healing progress & the nature of daily activities.
School Sports &/or Any Physical Activities:
CHILDREN & ADULTS: Refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities or sports for at least 6-weeks post-procedure. This period allows the body to heal adequately and the grafted fat to integrate properly.
Additional Post-Operative Care Tips:
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation. However, avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activities for the first few weeks.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Pain is typically most pronounced during the initial 2–3 days post-surgery and subsides within 7–10 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used as directed by your surgeon.
SWELLING & BRUISING: Expect some swelling and bruising, which generally diminishes within 2–3 weeks. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses can aid in reducing swelling.
Follow-Up Appointments:
THESE ARE A MUST: Attending all scheduled post-operative visits allows us to monitor the healing progress & address any concerns promptly. which leads to the best end result possible.
Performed 3-Months After Stage III:
The 4th Stage typically includes refining the central cup of the ear (concha) & the protective door over the ear canal (tragus).
The Basis Of This Procedure:
This Is TRUE SURGICAL SCULPTING:
The result you can achieve through ear reconstruction depends on your surgeon’s artistic ability to sculpt the new ear from cartilage. The process begins with careful planning using measurements, patterns, molds, and plaster casts made from the ear on the opposite side.
Customized instructions are given after the surgery to guide you through the exact activities you can and can't do. Overall, the patients who have the Breast Augmentation with Implants &/or Fat Grafting can expect satisfaction with her larger breasts and more youthful appearance.
Everyone who has Breast Implants will need to have at least one follow up procedure in the future; to reposition them or to replace them. Both Breast Aug with Implants and Breast Aug with Fat Transfer techniques require multiple operations. The difference is that the woman who chooses Breast Augmentation with Fat transfer, is committed to going through more of a process in the beginning, to obtain a more natural result in the end.
Dr. Fairbanks will work with you to create a customized plan for your Breast Augmentation with Implants &/or Fat Transfer Procedure that will produce the best result possible by combining his advanced surgical and artistic skills with the most advanced methods of medical science.
Our friendly staff is eager to help you set up a consultation & answer any questions that you may have.
Our friendly staff is eager to help you set up a consultation
& answer any questions that you may have.
Find out how we can help you finance today!
Find out how we can help you finance today!
(801) 951-8099
Our patients fly in to Utah from all over the world!
Our patients fly in to Utah from all over the world!
Meet Grant A. Fairbanks, MD
Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.
Meet
Grant A. Fairbanks, MD
Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.
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Copyright © 2025 | Grant A. Fairbanks, MD Art Of Plastic Surgery | All Rights Reserved