Finesse in otoplasty in four steps.
BACKGROUND
This report describes the authors' personal experience with an otoplasty technique used to correct several deformities of the auricular cartilage in prominent ears using a single surgical procedure.


METHODS
This technique allows for correction of all alterations in prominent ears by acting on four basic sites of the auricular cartilage using incisions, microincisions, and microresections that shape the curvature of the auricular cartilage. This, combined with elliptical resection of the retroauricular skin, provides prompt reshaping of the ear, conferring a natural appearance. This technique was used for 897 patients ages 5 to 65 years for a period of 16 years (1994-2010). Of these patients, 304 had undergone previous otoplasty. The postoperative follow-up period for these patients was 1 to 14 years.


RESULTS
This technique allowed for correction of prominent ears to achieve a natural appearance. It achieved complete satisfaction for 890 patients and a low rate of complications. Three cases of postoperative infection occurred, which were effectively controlled with antimicrobial treatment, and four cases of immediate postoperative hematoma occurred, which had no consequences because early drainage was used. There were no cases of keloids, hypertrophic scarring, or necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This versatile and complete technique allows for correction of all deformities that constitute prominent ears. It is associated with a low rate of complications and relapses by preventing strain of the cartilage.


METHODS
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Clínica Stédile de Cirurgia Plástica e Otorrinolaringologia, Av. Nilo Peçanha 2825 cj 1403, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 91330-001, Brazil. clinica@stedile.med.br
Júlio Antônio Stédile
JA
Ribeiro
Gisele Silva
GS
da Silva
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation; D013536:Suture Techniques; D055815:Young Adult
D000779:Anesthetics, Local