Minimally Invasive Auricoloplasty With an Anterior Approach: A 15-Year Experience

Abstract

Abstract Background The otoplasty technique, independently conceived by Kaye and Lewis, is a simple and effective method for correcting prominent ears with an underdeveloped antihelical fold, but it is inappropriate for correcting ears with conchal hypertrophy. Objectives To describe an anterior approach to otoplasty that can correct prominent ears, even for those with conchal hypertrophy. Methods The 100 most recent otoplasty interventions to correct prominent ears were analyzed retrospectively. Indications, aesthetic results, complications and corrections were evaluated. Results The 100 patients who underwent otoplasty included 40 males and 60 females with a mean age of 18 years (range, 8–62 years). Sixty-five patients underwent correction of an underdeveloped antihelical fold, 30 underwent correction of conchal hypertrophy and 5 required resection of a conchal cartilage crescent. Intervention was bilateral in 96 patients and monolateral in 4 patients. Two patients required secondary corrections, including 1 requiring monolateral correction for a trauma after 10 days. No patient experienced hematomas or infections, despite the absence of antibiotic coverage. Conclusions This minimally invasive otoplasty technique is a simple, quick, and effective method, even in patients with conchal hypertrophy. Level of Evidence: 4