Complication Rates From Otoplasty at a Tertiary Facial Plastic Surgery Center: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

: Prominent ears are considered the most common congenital external ear deformity among Caucasians. Affecting approximately 5% of the population, it runs in families and exhibits equal sex incidence. This study aimed to determine the complication rate from otoplasty in a tertiary facial plastic surgery center. This retrospective cross-sectional study included all patients with prominent ears deformities who underwent otoplasty at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital between January 2019 and June 2021. The records of 116 patients who underwent otoplasty during the study period were examined and only 44 matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total of 85 operated ears from 44 patients were included. Of these, 17 were pediatric patients and 25 were male patients. Forty-one patients underwent bilateral otoplasty and 3 underwent unilateral otoplasty. Complications occurred in 17/85 (20%) patients and the complications included recurrence 4 (4.70%), hypertrophic scar 3 (3.52%), keloid 2 (2.35), granuloma 2 (2.35%), infection 2 (2.35%), discomfort 1 (1.17%), wound dehiscence 1 (1.17%), hematoma 1 (1.17%), and retracted ear 1 (1.17%). The overall patient satisfaction was 38/44 (86.36%). Our study is first study conducted in middle east about otoplasty complications. It showed that the complications from otoplasty surgery varied from severe to mild, with acceptable overall satisfactory results. The most common complication was recurrence. Fortunately, serious complications, such as wound dehiscence and hematoma, were rare. However, our study’s small sample size remains a major limitation.

A Retrospective Analysis of Pinnaplasty Outcomes: The Welsh Experience

“…24 However, these differences in complication rates are comparably small and fall within the accepted range across the wider literature. 2,3,5,6,[8][9][10]15 We found no difference between 3-0 Ethibond and the alternative 4-0 sutures employed by our department (4-0 Ethibond, Monocryl, or PDS) in overall complication rates or suture extrusion, contrary to some previously published research. 25 This study does suffer from certain limitations.…”

“…Although our rates of hematoma and wound infection were lower than those presented by the systemic review, our cases had higher suture-related problems and abnormal scarring 24 . However, these differences in complication rates are comparably small and fall within the accepted range across the wider literature 2,3,5,6,[8][9][10]15 . We found no difference between 3-0 Ethibond and the alternative 4-0 sutures employed by our department (4-0 Ethibond, Monocryl or PDS) in overall complication rates or suture extrusion, contrary to some previously published research 25 .…”

“…Prominent ears (PE) are the most frequent congenital external ear deformity, occurring in approximately 5% of the population 1,2 . The auricle protrudes as a result of two main anatomical irregularities, conchal hypertrophy and/or the poor development of the antihelical fold 2,3 (Figure 1). Although the deformity does not usually cause functional difficulties, it can significantly affect the patient's psychological and social health, especially in children.…”

“…Prominent ears (PEs) are the most frequent congenital external ear deformity, occurring in 5% of the population. 1,2 The auricle protrudes as a result of two main anatomical irregularities, conchal hypertrophy and/or the poor development of the antihelical fold 2,3 (►Fig. 1).…”

An Overview about Aesthetic Results and Complications in Otoplasty: Review Article

“…Infection (Figure 2): Similar to other surgical sites, infection following otoplasty often presents itself 3 to 4 days after the procedure. Infections occur between 2.4% and 5.2% of the time [12] .…”