in the child's organism diminish within 6–8 weeks; afterwards, the ear cartilages stiffen, thus, taping the ears is effective only for correcting "bat ears" (prominent ears), and not the serious deformities that require surgical re-molding of the pinna (external ear) to produce an ear of normal size, contour, and proportions. Furthermore, ear correction by splints and tape requires the regular replacement of the splints and the tape, and especial attention to the child's head for any type of skin erosion, because of the cumulative effects of the mechanical pressures of the splints proper and the adhesive of the fastener tape. Physician-designed splints Congenital ear deformities are defined as either malformations (microtia, cryptotia) or deformations, wherein the term "ear deformation" implies a normal chondrocutaneous component with an abnormal auricular architecture. The conditions are categorized as constricted ears, Stahl's ear deformity, and prominent ears, which derive from varied causes, such as the abnormal development and functioning of the intrinsic and extrinsic ear muscles, which might generate forces that deform the auricle (pinna); and external forces consequent to malpositioning of the head during the prenatal and neonatal periods of the child's life. A study, Postpartum Splinting of Ear Deformities'' (2005), reported the efficacy of splinting the ears of a child during the early neonatal period as a safe and effective non-surgical treatment for correcting congenital ear deformities. The study used a variety of physician-designed, physician-fabricated and commercially-fabricated splints, such as a wire core segment in 6-French silastic tubing, self-adhering foam, temporary stopping with dental material, dental waxes, thermoplastic materials and other commercial ear-splint devices. See also Ear shaping Plastic surgery Maxillofacial surgery Otolaryngology References 28. Merck, W.H. (2017) "Ohrmuschelkorrektur ohne Hautschnitt - die Fadenmethode von Merck". In: K.Bumm (Herausgeber): Korrektur und Rekonstruktion der Ohrmuschel. Springer, 153-169. Bibliography External links Otoplasty Flash animation Plastic surgery Ear surgery