EarWell :: Non-Surgical Ear Re-Shaping for Newborns

Thank you to Nataliya Biskup, M.D. and the Plastic Surgery Center for sponsoring this post and providing quality health care for Wichita families!

As a mother or father, you know that your baby is beautiful from the moment your eyes meet. No flaw or blemish can change your view of the little person in your arms. Yet, sometimes, babies are born with a folding ear or other ear malformation – these come in many shapes and forms.

In the past, you had two options. The first was to wait and see if the baby’s ears might naturally improve. The second option was otoplasty, or ear surgery, when the baby was several years older.

Neither of those options provided much comfort to new parents.

Today, you have another option called EarWell™. This landmark ear deformity correction system can be completed in just one visit with a plastic surgeon with no surgery.

The EarWell system can help create a more natural shape and bring balance and proportion to your baby’s ears and face. The correction of ear deformities, even minor ones, can have profound benefits to your child’s self-esteem and appearance as he or she grows older. Let’s look at ear molding and its benefits for your baby.

Does Your Baby Need Ear Molding?

So, how do you know if ear molding is the right procedure for your baby? First, it’s quite common for babies to be born with an ear abnormality.  In fact, studies show that between 20-35% of babies are born with ear problems. This might be ears that stick out or ears that are scrunched up or folded over. If your child has ears that look like this, a visit with a plastic surgeon is a good first step.

What is EarWell?

EarWell is a mold that slips over your baby’s ears. It’s non-invasive and non-surgical. It can correct 93% of ear problems in just two-three weeks if it’s used shortly after birth. This is important because this is when the ears are most malleable.

The EarWell™ procedure is completed in just minutes, right in the physician’s office. After four to six weeks, the ears are shaped normally. The innovative design of the EarWell system allows plastic surgeons to painlessly correct ear deformities in one customizable system. EarWell allows a pain-free correction for your baby’s ear deformity, and it is a long-term solution.

How Soon Should We Consider It?

It’s important to visit with a plastic surgeon very soon after your baby’s birth. The window for EarWell treatment passes after about two months. Your only option, then, is ear surgery (otoplasty) in the early elementary years.

Will Your Baby’s Ears Self-Correct?

While some ears do improve over time, many others require surgery around the age of five. Some children are left dealing with the defect either because parents were unaware of their options, couldn’t afford surgery or didn’t want to have their children go through it.

EarWell changes the playing field and makes it easy for you to correct ear deformities and provide for your child’s physical and emotional well-being as he/she ages.

Does Insurance Cover EarWell?

In most of the cases we’ve seen to-date, private insurance has covered EarWell. With regard to otoplasty, in most cases it is considered cosmetic, so insurance doesn’t usually cover it, although we’ve seen a handful approved by insurance. EarWell is especially beneficial because it is less expensive than otoplasty later in life, and it’s often covered by insurance. This is a great reason to utilize the EarWell treatment when your child is an infant.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Birth defects of the ear are quite common, and you can address these defects to eliminate problems down the road. While you know your baby is beautiful, later in life, children with ear deformities are often subject to ridicule, bullying and abuse. As a result of this, children have low self-esteem and anxiety and don’t feel comfortable in social situations.

It’s a painful thing to watch and share in your child’s pain and embarrassment due to childhood teasing.

Now, you don’t have to wait years for surgery, and you don’t have to let your child live with a life-long deformity. With EarWell, you have the solution in a quick, painless, non-surgical procedure.

If your baby is born with an ear abnormality, your first step is a consultation with a plastic surgeon shortly after birth. You can then weigh your options and make the best choice for your child.

Nataliya Biskup, M.D. is a pediatric plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Center in Wichita, Kansas. You can schedule a consultation with her by calling 316-688-7500 or visiting pscwichita.com to request your appointment.

You Deserve Expert Guidance and Exceptional Results.

Plastic surgery involves many choices. The most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. Expect exceptional results when you have your procedures performed by plastic surgeons who have at least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery. 


Nataliya Biskup, MD 

Dr. Biskup is a plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Center, specializing in the full breadth of both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She completed her residency at the Loma Linda University Medical Center in California in 2016, and she is also fellowship-trained in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, completing her fellowship in 2017 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the top three children’s hospitals in the country.
Dr. Biskup also heads the Wichita Cleft and Craniofacial team, a multi-disciplinary team of specialists.  She looks forward to providing excellent care to all of her surgery patients and expanding the services available in our area.
Wichita Mom
Wichita Mom is the #1 parenting website and your local family guide to the best of Wichita! Providing relevant information and all things Wichita, we love to share about our favorite activities, local businesses, things to do, family fun, and helpful resources unique to Wichita Area parents and families.