An Extended Skin Excision Otoplasty Technique for the Prominent Ear

Abstract

Introduction:

Otoplasty enhances the quality of human life by offering the opportunity to correct prominent ears, a common deformity that has significant negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of many patients.

Materials and Methods:

We describe a simple extended skin excision technique that addresses various cosmetic ear abnormalities by stabilizing conchal position during healing while facilitating the curvature of the antihelix by creating skin tension and thus relying less on suture fixation. The key technical aspects of this procedure and short- and long-term results are discussed.

Results:

Twenty-two patients underwent otoplasty from 1997 to 2000. On follow-up, patients were very satisfied with the results of the procedure. A small percentage did suffer some minor complications.

Discussion:

This otoplasty technique provides long-term natural cosmetic results with generally low risk and morbidity, making it an ideal addition to the armamentarium of the cosmetic surgeon.