EJMS

Abstract

Background: Prominent ear is the most common ear abnormality (affects up to 5% of the population) and it is usually bilateral. Ear prominence is associated with a combination of defects of ear anatomy and abnormalities of the ear lobule. Surgical correction of the prominent ear is dating backs far about two centuries. Aim: The present study was designed to assess the effect of a combined technique of post-auricular skin excision, anterior scoring of the antehelix, and reposition of the auricular cartilage by sutures for correction of prominent auricle, to assess its complications, and to assess the long lasting results. Patients and Methods: The study was carried out on fifty patients. All patients were submitted to full history taking and clinical examinations with measuring of cephaloauricular distance. After surgical intervention, the follow up included (1) Photography (frontal, back, right, and left lateral views) preoperative and postoperative (one week, one month, six months and one year) and (2) Measuring of cephaloauricular distance preoperative and at similar durations of follow up. Results: Indication of surgery was mainly psychological distress in 15 (30.0%), cosmetic purpose in 10 (20.0%), and both in 25 (50.0%). Right ear measurements showed no significant difference between measurements at different point intervals at points A, B, and C; while at the lobule (point D) the difference was statistically significant. Left ear measurements revealed there was no significant difference between measurements at different point intervals at points A, C, and D; while at the point B, the difference was statistically significant. Complications were hematoma in 1 (2.0%) case, suture extrusion in 2 (4.0%) cases, suture granulations in 2 (4.0%) cases, hypertrophic scarring in 2 (4.0%) cases, and residual asymmetry in two (4%) cases. No cases reported tissue necrosis, local infection, local hypoesthesia or superficial ulcerations. As regard overall satisfaction, it was reported in 46 (92.0%) cases and dissatisfaction was reported in 4 (8.0%) cases. Conclusion: The combined surgical technique is a safe way to correct a prominent ear. No major complications were observed and good long-term aesthetic results were achieved. In addition, the stability of the otoplasty result was not influenced by patient gender.