Noninvasive and Simple Correction of Prominent Ear

ABSTRACT

Prominent ear means congenital ear anomaly which has the obtuse conchoscapal angle caused by underdeveloped antihelix and has the larger concha shape than normal. It can be corrected by non-surgical method such as molding process with splint when ear cartilage keep flexibility right after birth and by surgical method with manipulating the ear cartilage directly. To correct prominent ear, we used simple and effective technique consisted of (1)anterior cartilage surface scoring and (2)two horizontal mattress suture without skin excision because we have the opinion that the most important deformity in prominent ear is lesser projection of antihelical fold. From March 1998 to February 2003 this method was applied to 12 patients. During the follow-up period no particular side effects were detected and we had an excellent aesthetic result.