Los Angeles, CA - Many people complain about their ears, but imagine not having one.

Kids born with Microtia know what that's like.

Reconstructive surgery is available using rib cartilage, but it's traditionally done when a child is in third or fourth grade.

However that timeframe is changing.

One doctor in Los Angeles uses a medical-grade plastic form instead of waiting for a rib.

The implant is attached to the side of the head and is first covered with a membrane of blood vessels that will nourish the skin graft.

"When you apply the suction, you have an ear.  It's red because it's got the membrane, and then we put skin on it," said John Reinisch, M.D.

The framework adjusts to match the child's other ear, which reaches adult size by the time you're four.

There are a limited number of plastic surgeons who can do this.

For more information on Microtia go to www.atresiamicrotia.org.