Otoplasty in children less than four years of age: surgical technique.
The appropriate age for otoplasty remains controversial. Most surgeons wait until the child is aged 5 years or older to perform otoplasty. In this article, the results are reported in a series of 12 patients in whom otoplasty was performed before the age of 4 years. The approach used consists of a logical sequence for recreation of the antihelical fold, conchal reduction, reduction of the conchomastoid angle, and lobule setback. Follow-up in these patients ranges from 1 to 7 years, with a median follow-up interval of 3 years. No auricular growth disturbances were noted as a result of the surgery. Recurrent auricular prominence was noted in only 1 (8%) of the 12 patients, comprising 4.8% of the operated ears. Experience using this approach demonstrates that otoplasty can be performed from the age of 9 months or older with safety, reliability, and a high level of satisfaction on the part of the affected families.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. akgosain@mcw.edu
Arun K
AK
Gosain
René F
RF
Recinos
D000367:Age Factors; D002356:Cartilage / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012449:Safety; D013536:Suture Techniques