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Otoplasty in children less than four years of age: surgical technique
Arun K Gosain1, René F Recinos
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. akgosain@mcw.edu
Insights
Otoplasty, a surgery to correct prominent ears, can be safely performed on children as young as 9 months. This study found the procedure effective in young children, with high patient satisfaction and minimal recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Aesthetic Surgery
Background:
- The optimal age for otoplasty (ear surgery) is debated, with many surgeons preferring to operate after age 5.
- Early intervention for prominent ears is often desired by families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of otoplasty in young children (under 4 years old).
- To assess long-term outcomes, including recurrence and growth disturbances.
Main Methods:
- A sequential surgical approach was used, involving antihelical fold creation, conchal reduction, conchomastoid angle reduction, and lobule setback.
- The study included 12 patients who underwent otoplasty before age 4.
- Follow-up ranged from 1 to 7 years (median 3 years).
Main Results:
- No auricular growth disturbances were observed.
- Recurrent auricular prominence occurred in only one patient (8%), affecting 4.8% of operated ears.
- High levels of family satisfaction were reported.
Conclusions:
- Otoplasty can be safely and reliably performed in children as young as 9 months.
- The described surgical technique yields excellent results with a low recurrence rate.
- Early otoplasty is a viable option for correcting prominent ears.
Abstract:
The appropriate age for otoplasty remains controversial. Most surgeons wait until the child is aged 5 years or older to perform otoplasty. In this article, the results are reported in a series of 12 patients in whom otoplasty was performed before the age of 4 years. The approach used consists of a logical sequence for recreation of the antihelical fold, conchal reduction, reduction of the conchomastoid angle, and lobule setback. Follow-up in these patients ranges from 1 to 7 years, with a median follow-up interval of 3 years. No auricular growth disturbances were noted as a result of the surgery. Recurrent auricular prominence was noted in only 1 (8%) of the 12 patients, comprising 4.8% of the operated ears. Experience using this approach demonstrates that otoplasty can be performed from the age of 9 months or older with safety, reliability, and a high level of satisfaction on the part of the affected families.
