Pediatric Prosthetics.

We treat children with microtia (congenital underdevelopment or absence of the ear), Goldenhar Syndrome, atresia, Treacher Collins Syndrome, Hemi-Facial Microsomia, and pediatric enucleation (eye removal due to retinoblastoma or trauma). Both prosthetic ears and prosthetic eyes are within our pediatric scope.

Pediatric eye prosthetics typically begin about 4–6 weeks after enucleation, including for infants. Pediatric ear prosthetics for microtia are usually started once the child is old enough to tolerate the impression process, typically by school age. Every case is planned individually with the family and the child’s surgical team.

Children develop rapidly, especially in the first years of life, so we schedule frequent follow-up visits. Eye prosthetics are typically reassessed at 3 months after the initial fitting due to growth and color changes; after age 3, appointments are reduced to every 6 months. Where possible we enlarge the existing prosthesis instead of remaking it, providing cost savings and continuity for the child.

Microtia is a congenital condition where the external ear is underdeveloped or absent, affecting roughly 1 in 6,000 to 12,000 births. The classification ranges from Grade 1 (smaller than normal) to Grade 3 (vertical skin and cartilage appendage), with anotia indicating complete absence. A custom auricular prosthesis restores the appearance of a natural ear and can be retained with adhesive or with bone-anchored implants placed surgically.

Yes. Most private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid cover medically necessary pediatric prosthetics, and we verify your benefits before treatment begins. VA benefits cover 100% of the cost for eligible patients, and we coordinate the paperwork directly with the VA.

Ear prosthetic fittings follow a four-visit process: initial consultation and impression, sculpting, intrinsic coloring, and final extrinsic coloring with delivery. Pediatric eye prosthetics typically require 3 to 4 visits for the initial fitting, with periodic follow-ups as your child grows.

We use a team approach with open communication between parents, the prosthetist, and your child’s ophthalmologist or surgeon. We recommend brief, simple explanations at home to reduce apprehension, and we structure visits so the child becomes familiar with the team and the room before any clinical work begins. The pace of each visit is set by the child.