The Use of a Retroauricular Fascioperichondrial Flap in the Recreation of the Antihelical Fold in Prominent Ear Surgery

Abstract

The surgical treatments for prominent ears are on the basis of the approach over the basics of the deformity decrease the concha-mastoid angle and create a new antihelical fold. The author describes a new retroauricular flap to be used in the recreation of the antihelical fold and critically analyzes the cosmetic results and complications. A skin ellipse is outlined on the posterior surface of the ear. After hydrodissection with anesthetic solution in the outlined area, the skin is removed as thin as possible over the superior mid ear, preserving the underlying connective tissue and perichondrium. A triangular flap is created in the superior third of the raw area and elevated in the subperichondrial plane. The fixation of the flap posteriorly allows the medialization of the upper pole, resulting in a natural antihelical fold. One hundred sixty-one otoplasties were performed in 82 patients (3 unilateral), 53 women and 29 men. Mean age was 19.2 years and mean follow-up time was 3.4 years. Loss of correction at the upper pole led to secondary correction in 12 ears (7.45%). Suture extrusion was observed in 7 ears (4.34%). Hypertrophic scarring developed in 3 ears (1.86%). The accumulated risk of reoperation was of 10.85% in 9 years. The retroauricular fascioperichondrial flap combined with other techniques may be used as a standard procedure in the surgical treatment of prominent ears.