Cape Town - Sitting in her bed alongside her mother at Tygerberg Hospital, Cassidy Sitella smiles.
She will have reconstructive surgery on her ears on Tuesday – something she has waited for for a long time.
The 10-year-old from De Doorns was born without ears, suffering from the rare congenital deformity microtia, where the external ears are underdeveloped. The ear deformity has also affected Cassidy’s hearing and speaking and she communicates via sign language.
Although she underwent her first reconstructive surgery last year, on Tuesday she will undergo follow-up surgery to make her ears appear more aesthetically natural.
The surgical process has already shown transformational effects, both in Cassidy’s appearance as well as in her self-confidence.
Her mother, Kathleen Sitella, recalled how before her first operation, Cassidy was extremely shy and self-conscious, covering her face with her hair.
However, after the operation Cassidy had adopted a far more confident demeanour, happy to make friends and meet new people.
Cassidy could undergo the surgery only now because doctors had to wait until she had grown. This is because the process involves removing cartilage from her ribcage, which needed to be big enough to be reconstructed and pieced together so as to form a framework for her ear.
The surgery, primarily a cosmetic procedure, will improve her hearing a little.
Cassidy is one of 39 to 41 children who are undergoing surgery for facial reconstruction this week. The initiative is organised through the Smile Foundation, which allows children to receive free corrective plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Moira Gerszt, Smile Foundation’s operations executive director, said: “It is wonderful to know that Cassidy will now have a chance at being accepted socially as an active teenager in her community.” - Cape Times