Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the anatomy of the prominent ear. 2. Correctly and precisely analyze the prominent ear deformity. 3. Establish and implement a surgical plan to treat the prominent ear based on the available techniques. 4. Recognize the potential complications of surgical correction of the prominent ear.
Auricular deformities, specifically, prominent ears, are relatively frequent. Although the physiologic consequences are negligible, the aesthetic and psychological effects on the patient can be substantial.
Otoplasty techniques are used to correct many auricular deformities, including the prominent ear, the constricted ear, Stahl’s deformity, and cryptotia. Various treatments and techniques have been developed for the correction of these deformities, including methods that excise, bend, suture, scratch, or reposition the auricular cartilage.
The multitude of different approaches indicates that there is not one clearly definitive technique for correcting these problems.
This article reviews the history of otoplasty, its anatomical basis and a method for evaluation, techniques for the correction of the deformity, and potential complications of the procedure.
Dallas, Texas; and Madison, Wis.
From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School.
Received for publication September 18, 2003.
Rod J. Rohrich, M.D., Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, HX1.636, Dallas, Texas 75390-8820, rjreditor_@plasticsurgery.org
