Open otoplasty

The fundamental challenge in correcting protruding ears is to create an anthelix fold that has a natural appearance: evenly rounded and without sharp edges. More or less favorable results have been reached using different methods of excision, superficial incision, suturing, and cartilage tubing. A good method must also fulfill some additional requirements. It must be simple and not too time-consuming. In addition, it should be comfortable for the patient, easily adapted to different anatomical conditions, and have a minimal recurrence rate. The following technique to be described has been used by the author for more than 30 years. He has operated on approximately 870 patients with the open technique. In this article, the last 80 consecutive patients are reported after their follow-up visits. Over the years, the technique has been modified in some details. The auricular cartilage is incised along the lateral border of the anthelical fold. The entire anterior surface of the anthelix is dissected free and abraded. The cartilage bends backward, and a natural anthelix fold is created.