A technique for correction of prominent ears is described. It combines the advantages of simplicity and accuracy and provides satisfactory results. Essential points of the technique are perichondrial cartilage scratching at the superior crus and antihelical fold according to Stenström, mattress sutures applied to the perichondrium and soft tissues at the medial surface, and to these we add the trimming of the tail of the helix, thinning of the antitragus, and a double-spindle skin excision at the medial auricular surface. In patients with insufficient curling of the helical rim ("shell-ear" deformity) the base of the helical arch is scratched at its medial surface.

The classification of malformations of the auricle is reviewed. Hinderer's technique is described. It is based on long oblique skin and cartilage flaps of the upper pole of the ear, taken in opposite directions for expansion of the helical arch, thus preventing a later visible notching at the helical rim. The remaining scapha is straightened and the superior crus and antihelical fold are formed by scratching and sandpaper abrasion of the lateral surface. A deep concha is treated by a cartilage strip expansion from the posterior conchal wall.

Eur J Plast Surg (1992) 15:90-93 European lr~Lt ~o doumal of Vl#J~lrdg~ Summary. The published methods for surgical correction of lop and cup ears are numerous. Surgical techniques must restore the helix overhang, raise and lengthen the helical arch and correct the protrusion, if it exists. Some authors try to add cartilage and skin to correct the deformity. We believe that, except in the most severe cases, there is no real reduction in size at the upper third of the lop and cup ears. In moderately and severely constricted ears, expansion of the upper pole of the ear by a double, opposite directed, Z-plasty, based on Hinderer's technique, provides predictable and safe results and has proved to be easy to apply to each patient. Lop and cup ears constitute a wide range of ear deformities, inherited as autosomal dominant characters, with inconstant expression [5]. They are difficult to classify and to define [7]. The main features of the lop ear are: