Otoplasty with an unusual cartilage scoring approach

Abstract

Background: An ideal otoplasty procedure should minimise the possible risk of severe complications of otoplasty and provide a good aesthetic outcome; however, there is no standart technique to be applied to all types of auricular deformities in different populations. The aim of this study was to present an otoplasty technique with posterior approach in which small incomplete cartilage incisions and suture fixations were used to form the auricle without a need for anterior skin incision and dissection.

Methods: This study involved 42 patients who had bilateral prominent ears with unfurled antihelixes associated with or without conchal excess. The otoplasty procedure mainly consisted of a posterior skin excision, incomplete cartilage incisions in the shape of greater mark, ">", mattress sutures of the posterior cartilage, earlobe correction, and conchal reduction if necessary.

Results: This otoplasty technique consists of easy, simple, and rapid surgical steps without a need for anterior skin dissection and cartilage scoring, so it has a low rate of complications in both early and late postoperative periods. Follow-up time of patients ranged from 1-9 years, with an average of 3 years. No major complications such as haematomas, chondritis, wound infection, skin necrosis, asymmetry, recurrence, hypertrophic scars, granulomas, or irregularities developed in the early and late postoperative periods. A good symmetry and natural appearence were achieved with this otoplasty technique. Patients were satisfied with the results. All over complication rate in the postoperative period was 7%.

Conclusion: The presented technique overcomes the drawbacks of anterior skin dissection and anterior scoring, and minimises the risk of severe complications such as anterior skin necrosis, cartilage necrosis or destruction, and ear irregularities. It also reduces the operation time, swelling, bruising, and possibility of suture extrusion and recurrence.

Keywords: Otoplasty; cartilage incision; greater mark; posterior approach.