title: Correcting the lobule in otoplasty using the fillet technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Correction of the protruded lobule in otoplasty continues to represent an important challenge. The lack of skeletal elements within the lobule makes a controlled lobule repositioning less predictable. OBJECTIVE To present a new surgical technique for lobule correction in otoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human cadaver studies were performed for detailed anatomical analysis of lobule deformities. In addition, we evaluated a novel algorithmic approach to correction of the lobule in 12 consecutive patients. INTERVENTIONS/EXPOSURES: Otoplasty with surgical correction of lobule using the fillet technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  The surgical outcome in the 12 most recent consecutive patients with at least 3 months of follow-up was assessed retrospectively. The postsurgical results were independently reviewed by a panel of noninvolved experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 3 major anatomic components of lobular deformities are the axial angular protrusion, the coronal angular protrusion, and the inherent shape. The fillet technique described in the present report addressed all 3 aspects in an effective way. Clinical data analysis revealed no immediate or long-term complications associated with this new surgical method. The patients' subjective rating and the panel's objective rating revealed "good" to "very good" postoperative results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This newly described fillet technique represents a safe and efficient method to correct protruded ear lobules in otoplasty. It allows precise and predictable positioning of the lobule with an excellent safety profile.
  
  
  METHODS
  4.
authors.affiliation: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Haneen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sadick
authors.affiliation: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Verena M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Artinger
authors.affiliation: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Haubner
authors.affiliation: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Holger G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Gassner
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002102:Cadaver; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004210:Dissection; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies