Aesthetic otoplasty: A new technique

Abstract

Abstract.Our technique for the correction of the protruding ear deformity has been successfully used in 275 patients. It gives a natural look of the auricle, symmetrical results, and a decreased number of secondary surgical procedures. This technique is based on a careful planning of the operation and measurement of the auricle, a large posterior skin excision proportional to the protrusion, breaking of the keystone of the auricular cartilage (horizontal cut of the cartilage between the antitragus and antihelix for 10-12 mm), superficial scratching of the periochondrium of the antihelix, and deep scratching of the cartilage laterally and medially to the antihelix. The dressing remains on for only 24 hours. Key words: Protruding ear deformity --Aesthetic otoplastyThere are four basic types of ear protrusion in which aesthetic otoplasty is indicated: (1) poorly developed antihelix; (2) hypertrophy of the concha; (3) hypertrophy of the upper or lower pole of the auricle; and (4) normal shape of the external ear but the angle between the auricle and mastoid is considerably larger than normal.There is no other operation in aesthetic plastic surgery that has so many operative methods as aesthetic otoplasty. This may indicate that none of the operations in use at the moment is completely satisfactory. Surgeons are always trying to achieve better results using new methods. The most commonly used techniques for the correction of the protruding ear deformity are: 1. Complete exposure of the posterior perichondrium and full-thickness inci-9 sions of the cartilage on the posterior surface along the helix, antihelix, and conchal rim. The cartilage is thinned and tubed (Converse) [1].