title: Otoplasty using the postauricular skin flap technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of the postauricular skin flap technique in otoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a case series study of 25 patients who underwent bilateral otoplasty for prominent ears over a 4-year period. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic tertiary care referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five patients with congenitally prominent bilateral ears, aged 5 to 38 years of age.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cartilage-sparing otoplasties were performed with access using the postauricular skin flap technique. The specifics of cartilage correction were determined by the surgeon based on the patients' anatomic deformity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinically noted aesthetic results, complications, and patient satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No complications, such as hypertrophic scarring, keloid formation, scar migration, ear deformity, or obliteration of the postauricular sulcus, were noted. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was generally high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that the postauricular skin flap approach to otoplasty is safe, provides excellent exposure, is amenable to most cartilage surgical techniques, and is a valuable addition to otoplasty techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Romo
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sclafani
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004210:Dissection; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques