Otoplasty: A Comparison of Techniques for Antihelical Defects Treatment

Abstract

Prominauris, the most common malformative defect of the external ear, is dependent on a combination of elementary defects mainly affecting the antihelix and the concha. Transection versus cartilage weakening results in antihelix treatment are discussed. In this study, 104 ears with antihelical defects were treated in 63 consecutive patients: the 33 patients (53 ears) in group A, received a transection-based treatment, whereas the 30 patients (51 ears) in group B, underwent cartilage weakening and suture. All the patients were treated using a posterior access. The aesthetic results were evaluated by an independent well-trained plastic surgeon. No differences were found in correction degree and stability between the two methods, but cartilage weakening techniques provided a smoother and more natural curvature. Cartilage weakening techniques can lead to better aesthetic results, primarily because of a softer and more natural ear curvature.