title: [Correction of lop ear using minimally invasive approach].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Helix valgus or procident ears is a common problem that affects about 5% of the population. The folds of the antehelix and the overdevelopment of the concha are the most commonly found anatomic alterations of the ear pavilion. In children this pathology usually causes anxiety and an emotional trauma that may interfere in their normal development.
  
  
  METHODS
  There are a few tipes of techniques to correct helix valgus. We present the application of the technique in our service. We conduct the otoplastia with an outer puntiform technique which allows us to cut the cartilage partially from the outside. Next we fold from the rear the antehelix and hide the concha.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We analysed 7 years of the application of this technique and we now present 87 otoplastias conducted to 44 children. The 97% of them were bilateral. No precocious complications have been observed after the surgery. All cases except for one of them have been bilateral. All the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. None of them showed relapse. In one case there was a hypertrophic scar that required cutting and in 2 of the cases there was a slight hypercorrection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Procident ears may occasion a psychological trauma in children. We believe that this technique, which is minimally invasive, provides very satisfactory aesthetic results, the puntiform scar being hardly noticed fifteen days before surgery. The patients need to stay in hospital for a short period, 24-48 hours, and complications are very rare, recidiva has not been described. We strongly recommend this technique for the correction of procident ears.
authors: Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital Materno Infantil Teresa Herrera, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña. maria.garcia.palacios@sergas.es
authors: M García
authors: MG
authors: Palacios
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Somoza
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Lema
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Molina
authors: J Gómez
authors: JG
authors: Veiras
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Tellado
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Ríos
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Dargallo
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Pais
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Vela
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*