A Detroit surgeon is initiating the process of creating an ear for a young Michigan girl who was left severely disfigured after she was attacked by a raccoon as an infant.
In 2002, 3-month-old Charlotte Ponce, made worldwide headlines after she was mauled by a raccoon while laying in her crib. The tiny newborn was home alone when her 18-year-old mother left her unsupervised with the pet. The aftermath left her with devastating injuries to her right ear, nose and part of her cheek.
Inspirational young Michigan girl, Charlotte Ponce, to receive a new ear after raccoon attack as an infant.
Courtesy of AP/Chris Clark
Over the course of her 11 years, Charlotte has undergone numerous reconstructive surgeries, including an operation two years ago which gave her a new nose. The same doctor who performed the nose procedure, also did extensive work repairing her lip and cheek and is looking forward to providing Charlotte with her new ear.
The duration of the surgery is estimated at 6 to 7 hours and will be performed by Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyaste, a plastic surgeon at the Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Detroit.
“As a plastic surgeon you need to think outside the box a little bit,†Chaiyasate said.
The intricate procedure requires extracting a piece of cartilage from Charlotte’s ribs and carving it into the shape of an ear, using a computer-generated template modeled after the 11-year old’s other ear. The created structure will then be embedded under the skin of her forearm, and the skin will mold to the shape of her ear over an 8-week period, Chaiyasate explained.
In June, Chaiyasate plans to transplant the ear to the right side of Charlotte’s head.
Charlotte’s great aunt and adopted mom, Sharon Ponce, is overwhelmed by the amount of support the family has received from people all around the world. She said people from as far away as Britain and Australia had contacted the family offering encouragement, as their hearts go out to the inspirational little girl.
11-year Old Michigan Girl to Receive New Ear After Devastating Animal Attack
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