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

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: