A Simple Corrective Method for Prominent Ear

ABSTRACT

Various methods have been used to correct the prominent ear, in which the deformity is due to lack of formation of the normal antihelix. In 1963, Mustard presented a method which creates the antihelical fold by placing permanent mattress sutures through the cartilage without using any actual cartilaginous incisions. However, the main disadvantage of this method is difficulty in accurate full- thickness transcartilaginous suture without an injury to the anterior auricular skin. To solve this problem, the authors separated the anterior auricular skin from the cartilage by a subcision method using a 21-gauge needle without making a skin incision. Between 2001 and 2002, a total of 16 prominent ears in 12 patients were corrected by this method. Eight patients underwent unilateral correction and four patients underwent bilateral correction. Seven were female and 5 were male. Patients' age at operation ranged from 5 to 24 years(mean 9.7 years). Patients were followed up from 5 to 14 months(mean 8.6 months). No major complications were observed while using this method and good aesthetic result was achieved in all cases, except one recurrence case that needed revision procedure. This method is a simple and safe technique with reliable aesthetic results and no scar on the anterior auricular skin.