Antihelical shaping of prominent ears using conchal cartilage-grafting adhesion

No specific otoplasty method has been considered as the absolute standard in patients with prominent ears showing thick and strong auricular cartilage.

Retrospective case series study.

The authors reviewed the chart and preoperative and postoperative photos of patients (N = 66) who underwent otoplasty consecutively with a new antihelical shaping technique using conchal cartilage-grafting adhesion between 2003 and 2010. Three mattress sutures between the posterior scapha and concha wall were performed to create an antihelical tubing. A piece of conchal cartilage with an intact perichondrium was inserted through the posterior tubing gap and fixed to the posterior scapha and conchal wall, which induced permanent cartilage adhesion.

Thirty-nine patients were female and 27 were male. The average age was 23.7 years. Prominent ears were bilateral in 24 patients and unilateral in 42 patients. All patients were observed for a postoperative duration of between 4 months and 24 months. Operative wounds in all patients healed uneventfully. Asymmetric ear projections due to undercorrection were observed in two patients, and mild irregularities or prominences on the postauricular surfaces were observed in three patients. Twenty-two patients (27 corrected ears) were interviewed by telephone to evaluate their long-term satisfaction (an average of 5.2 years after surgery). All except one reported their corrected ears as good.

The conchal cartilage-grafting adhesion technique creates a naturally shaped smooth antihelix, allowing the prominent ear to predictably and permanently set back. We believe that the method is indicated in adult patients showing thick and strong auricular cartilage.