Skip to main content

Do Children Inherit Microtia?

October 19th, 2012
Filed under:
Child covering ears

After a child is born and parents are told of their child’s ear condition, they face a myriad of questions, guilt, and confusion. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether or not microtia is genetic.

The answer is not so simple. Why most experts agree that often there is a genetic component to microtia, just as often there is not. In fact, only 15% of cases have a genetic component that can be identified. Statistically, boys are more affected than girls, and certain ethnic groups (Hispanics and Asians) are more commonly affected than Caucasians and African-Americans.

For most patients, the cause of the condition is unknown and not caused by any behavior by the mother such as smoking, alcohol, or caffeine during pregnancy. An extremely rare reason for microtia can be exposure to Accutane or Thalidomide in pregnancy. These are drugs that are commonly known to cause birth defects, and are both strictly controlled and used only for specific medical conditions.

“Often patients will ask me about genetic testing for microtia. Currently there is no specific test that can be done to identify it and since the percentage of cases that are genetically transmitted as so low, a specific test may never be developed. Often microtia can be determined with prenatal ultrasound testing, although this is not always reliable,” explained Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Consultants.

This issue often arises when parents of a child with microtia are considering having more children. There have been studies that suggest that parents who already have a child with this condition have a 4%-5% increased chance of having another child with the deformity. That’s a very small increase, and most parents would consider going forward with a second, third or more pregnancies.

“I tell parents that the good thing is we can fix this. Your child will not have to go through school and the rest of their life being different from any other kid. They will be able to play sports, dance or do anything their hearts desire. It’s gratifying for me to help these families move on with their lives,” said Dr. Jones.

To learn more, call our office at (404) 355-3566 for an appointment.

Posted on behalf of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists

3193 Howell Mill Rd NW, Suite 302
Atlanta, GA, 30327

Phone: (404) 355-3566

Email:

Monday & Tuesday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.

Our Patient Reviews

4.9 / 5.0

Based on 19 reviews

Kizma Hampton

Dr. Jones is the BEST!!! The staff is also great too. They are always friendly and welcoming. I am so happy that I chose him. I had liposuction and a tummy tuck done. I am amazed at my new body. I chose him because of his experience and he is the best plastic surgeon in Atlanta, Ga. My surgery experience was great I love the no drain technique that he does. I feel confident and beautiful. And my new look is wonderful and I couldn't be happier. And it feels great to get compliments from my family and friends because they love my new look as well!!!

Anne Jones

Why did I look sad when I was not? When I saw my “normal” facial expression in the mirror, it just looked worn out. I did not like it for I did not feel like that on the inside! Dr. Jones changed it! After Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones did my eye lid surgery, I feel great about seeing myself in the mirror again. None of that loopy, tired look anymore! My only regret: I should have done this earlier. Creams do nothing to remove the wrinkles and the sagging eyelids that accompany getting into my late 40s. I feel refreshed in the face, and it affects my inside every time I look in the mirror or see a photo of myself. Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones did a fabulous job. He did not go overboard, he did it just right. He had the expert touch from the beginning to the end. Trusting my doctor is most important to me, and if I do this surgery again in ten years, I will just let him decide what can be done to achieve a more refreshed, happier look. It pays to let experience bear. It is my face. No scars. No sagging eyelids. Even the wrinkles around my eyes went away. Thank you, Dr. Jones and your wonderful staff.

Deidre Bagley

The BEST decision I have ever made! Dr. Jones' bedside manner is remarkable, his staff is caring and made me feel individualized. I didn't want a factory line breast augmentation, so I researched surgeons and Jones stood out above the rest due to his expertise, study, knowledge, and specialized techniques. And that is what I wanted when I came to my body. My desired results were achieved with my health being priority. Surgery and recovery went without a hitch. Friends and family, some who have had the same procedure themselves, call his work exceptional!!

Bruce Moyer

First I want to say what a great group of assistants Dr.Jones has working for him. They are professional, efficient and organized. All of them are nice and will work closely with your schedule. As for Dr. Mark Jones you can find a better doctor he is "Magical" when it comes to surgery. I'm in my third stage of microtia and every surgery he's calm and reassuring that everything will turn out. He does what he says he going to do, and accurate on what the turnout will be. If I had to go through this again I wouldn't go to anyone else. Thank you Dr. Mark Jones.

Natalie Kramer

Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones is an incredible doctor! Not only is he highly credible with extensive knowledge in the field, he has great bedside manner. He and his staff made me feel calm and prepared for my surgery and answered all questions I had. I am so happy I chose Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialist to fix my nose, they did an incredible job and I have never felt better or more confident.

Celeste Temple

As a patient it's a fantastic experience. I'm so thrilled with my results and recovery was a breeze. I feel that his technique and his kind nature sets him apart from other surgeons. The outcome exceeded my expectations. As an employee I'm beyond grateful to be able to work for such a considerate, experienced physician.

Deigh Frost

My experience with Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists was really great. I liked Dr. Jones from the minute I met him. He answered all my questions and took any time necessary to explain everything to me about surgery options. He is friendly and professional and he and his staff made me feel at ease immediately. Surgery was a success and I am thrilled. I would recommend Dr. Mark Jones and his staff to anyone.

Amanda Sweeney

Working with Dr. Jones is truly a pleasure. It is a noticeable difference how much he cares for each individual patient, taking time to listen to their questions, concerns, and goals. His experience is unmatched and he helps each patient create a treatment plan that matches their desired outcomes.