Cosmetic Otoplasty

Abstract

Introduction:

Protruding ears are a common occurrence and can affect the aesthetics and psychosocial aspects of patients. Hundreds of procedures have been described over the years, but many do not adequately address the specific problem and can prove unstable.

Materials and Methods:

The author presents a literature review and discusses the demographics, anatomy, and diagnoses related to common protruding ear deformities and describes 2 surgical procedures that have been used to treat more than 100 cases of protruding ears over a 10-year period.

Results:

The Davis procedure for conchal bowl excess and the Mustardé procedure for reconstructing the antihelical fold, which are most often performed in conjunction, have been used to successfully treat protruding ears.

Conclusions:

Although numerous procedures exist for the treatment of protruding ears, some do not adequately address the actual anatomic problem at hand. Some surgeons advocate procedures designed to create an antihelix to treat cartilage excess, which can prove unstable. The Davis and Mustardé procedures address the actual anatomic problems and have proven predictable, safe, effective, and stable in the author's cosmetic facial surgery practice.