PSYCHOSOCIAL-ASPECTS OF THE TOTAL AURICUL AR RECONSTRUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE MICROTIA

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the psychosocial pro blems and expectation of patients with severe microtia and to investig ate possible changes in psychosocial profile of patients after surgica l reconstruction of the pinna. Methods: Interviews were performed with 65 patients before and 39 patients after auricular reconstruction. Th ey consisted of a questionnaire involving open and closed questions re lating to the reconstruction and a personality test. Results: The most frequently mentioned reasons for surgery were: personal dissatisfacti on with patients own appearance, lack of self-confidence, and for youn ger age groups, parental anxiety about the future psychosocial develop ment of their children. More than 90% of the patients with surgically reconstructed auricles were satisfied with the postoperative results a nd showed a more open and rearless personality profile. Conclusions: A uricular reconstruction enhances the development of a stable personali ty.