Otoplasty techniques

Facial Plast Surg. 1995 Oct;11(4):284-300. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1064545.

Abstract

Otoplasty has undergone a number of important developments over the course of the past 150 years. While cartilage-incision techniques were favored earlier in the century, suture-only techniques are now favored. Prominauris, a condition that affects 5% of the Caucasian population, is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Protruding ears commonly are due to a combination of two defects: under-development of antihelical folding, and overdevelopment of the conchal wall. Utilizing a graduated approach, consistently superior results can be obtained. Our approach includes: fusiform skin excision; concha-mastoid sutures; scapha-conchal sutures; and refinement of the scapha, helix, and lobe. The aesthetic results are well retained and significant complications are rare.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Cicatrix / etiology
  • Ear Deformities, Acquired / etiology*
  • Ear, External / abnormalities*
  • Ear, External / surgery*
  • Esthetics
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Surgery, Plastic / adverse effects
  • Surgery, Plastic / history
  • Surgery, Plastic / methods*
  • Surgical Wound Infection