Estrogen is also felt to soften facial and skull cartilage and aid the passage of the fetus. Ear cartilage is made of cells called chondrocytes with fluid between the cells, called intercellular material. This intercellular material is a mixture of chemicals, including collagen and elastin. When the baby is born the intercellular materials are surrounded and separated by a large amount of hyaluronic acid. This accounts for the lack of elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid is increased by estrogen.
When the baby is born the estrogen levels in the baby's blood are high. The level of estrogen gradually decreases over several weeks. If the ear can be held in its corrected position until the cartilage changes then surgery may be avoided. The treatment involves molding the ear into its new shape and holding it in place for about four to six weeks. The chances of success, at least partially, are quite high.