Surgical Correction of the Prominent Ear using the Posterior Approach.

Chung, Jae Young; Chung, Ho Yun; Park, Jae Woo; Byun, Jin Suk; Cho, Byung Chae; Baik, Bong Soo

Original Article

Journal of Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2002;3(2):128-132.

Jae Young Chung, Ho Yun Chung, Jae Woo Park, Jin Suk Byun, Byung Chae Cho, Bong Soo Baik

Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea. bccho@knu.ac.kr

Abstract

In prominent ears, major common deformities are a poorly developed antihelical fold and the formation of excessive conchal cartilage, in particular the posterior conchal wall. Goal of the surgical correction of prominent ears is narrowing of the conchoscaphal angle by folding of the antihelix and reduction of the concha. In this study, cartilage sparing otoplasty is refined by the addition of minimal dissection of the medial and lateral margin of the medial and lateral cut cartilage through the posterior approach and horizontal mattress sutures between two margins. A total of 9 patients were operated between 1999 and 2001. Among them, 4 patients were bilateral and 5 patients were unilateral. There were no hematomas. There was mild recurrence of the upper antihelical fold in one patient who requested further surgery. Two patients developed suture extrusion. This technique is a simple and safe procedure with reliable results and does not cause anterior scarring or skin necrosis.

Keywords: Prominent ear; Otoplasty