Ear shaping

Dr. Emiliya Efendiyeva

Ear shaping

With the ear shaping procedure I correct your baby's deformed ear! I carry out this procedure in the baby's first 2 months, without surgery and painlessly, using a silicone moulding device (more about CranioWell).

Ear shape abnormalities are seen in about 25% of newborns, and 3–5% of these cases require ear shaping treatment. Ear moulding treatment in babies can be applied especially during the first 2 months. The earlier treatment begins, the higher the chance of success.

Emiliya Afandiyeva was the first in Azerbaijan to correct ear deformities in babies younger than 2 months painlessly, without bleeding and without incisions, using CranioWell's silicone moulding device.

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Why timing matters so much

When treatment startsWhy it makes a difference
First weeksCartilage is softer and more responsive, under the influence of maternal hormones
First 2 monthsConsidered the most favourable window for moulding
LaterAs cartilage stiffens, the scope for non-surgical correction narrows

The table reflects the general approach described in the literature (see sources) — the decision for an individual baby is made after examination.

How the visit and follow-up work

At the first appointment the shape of the ear is assessed, the type of deformity is identified and a decision is made on whether moulding is suitable. Once the device is fitted, follow-up visits are scheduled to check the skin and the shape. Parents are asked to keep up daily care and to make sure the device stays in place.

You can see the process explained with photographs, before/after examples and frequently asked questions on the CranioWell page. For general information about ear shape, see the blog article.

What daily care asks of the parent

Once the device is fitted, how the process goes depends a great deal on day-to-day attention at home.

Daily stepWhy
Check that the device is still in placeThe shape only works on while the device sits correctly
Look at the surrounding skinIf redness appears, report it without delay
Take care when bathing and dressingThese are the moments when the device is most often displaced
Do not miss follow-up visitsThat is where adjustments are made

If anything worries you, get in touch without waiting for the next appointment — coming early usually keeps matters simple.

How are follow-up visits planned?

The number of visits and the intervals between them are set individually, according to the type of deformity, the baby's age and how the shape is responding. At each review the skin and the shape are assessed and the device is readjusted if needed. The plan is not fixed in advance — it is refined at each visit.

How to book an appointment

You can book an ear shaping appointment by phone, via WhatsApp or through the contact form on this site. Because timing is decisive in this treatment, it is best to get in touch as soon as you notice a difference in the shape of your baby's ear, rather than waiting.

When you come, bring the documents from the maternity hospital and photographs of the baby's ear taken at home. Photographs are useful for showing how the shape has changed since the first days.

Sources

  1. Anstadt EE et al. — Neonatal Ear Molding: Timing and Technique. Pediatrics. 2016;137(2):e20152831
  2. Byrd HS, Langevin CJ, Ghidoni LA — Ear molding in newborn infants with auricular deformities. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010

Frequently asked questions

  • Regular check-ups are important for monitoring your child's development and protecting their health. In addition, contact me straight away whenever you notice any illness, discomfort or change.
  • Vaccines are given according to the child's age and the established schedule. I set out a suitable vaccination schedule for your child in advance.
  • I help you prepare a proper, age-appropriate nutrition plan for your child. I also advise on suitable foods and diets to keep vitamins and minerals in balance.
  • Non-surgical ear shaping is a non-invasive procedure used to adjust the shape and size of the ears without surgery. It is carried out with a special device and method.