Correction of prominent ears: techniques and complications

Abstract

Prominent ears are present in approximately 5% of the Caucasian population. It is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and commonly caused by 2 developmental defects: underdevelopment of the antihelical fold and overdevelopment of the conchal wall. A thorough preoperative evaluation includes examination of ear symmetry, size, shape, and projection. Mustarde first described a technique for creating an antihelical fold by utilizing permanent conchoscaphal mattress sutures. Furnas popularized a technique of conchal setback using permanent cochomastoidal suturing.