Ear stapling: a risky and unproven procedure for appetite suppression and weight loss

In an effort to achieve weight loss, many people are pursuing alternative medical interventions. Widely available as a variant of acupuncture, ear stapling (in which a surgical staple is placed in the conchal bowl of the ear) is reported by practitioners to decrease the appetite and induce weight loss. This practice lacks proven efficacy and has a significant risk of infection and deformity. We report a series of 3 patients who developed complications from ear stapling and present this article to describe the practice so that physicians will be prepared when encountering a staple in the ear.