Y-to-V setback for prominent lobule correction in otoplasty

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Prominent ears can cause significant psychological distress and peer criticism, particularly in school-aged children and teenagers.
• Existing otoplasty techniques often lack detailed methods for correcting prominent earlobules, a common aesthetic concern.
• A disharmony between the corrected ear and a prominent lobule can lead to an unnatural appearance post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and evaluate a novel Y-to-V setback technique for the correction of prominent earlobules.
• To assess the efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of this technique as a standalone procedure or an adjunct to otoplasty.
• To address the limited publications on specific prominent lobule correction methods.

Main Methods:

• A Y-to-V setback technique was utilized for prominent lobule correction in 22 patients undergoing otoplasty.
• All patients underwent bilateral lobule transposition concurrently with bilateral otoplasty.
• A minimum follow-up period of 12 months (mean 20 months) was maintained to assess outcomes.

Main Results:

• The Y-to-V setback technique resulted in inconspicuous and well-hidden incisions in the postauricular sulcus.
• No cases of hypertrophic scars, keloid formation, or relapse of lobule prominence were observed during follow-up.
• All 22 patients reported high satisfaction with the aesthetic results of the prominent lobule correction.

Conclusions:

• The Y-to-V setback technique is an effective and safe method for correcting prominent earlobules.
• This technique provides excellent aesthetic results, with well-concealed scars and high patient satisfaction.
• The Y-to-V setback technique can be successfully employed as an individual procedure or combined with standard otoplasty.