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"Inside-out" otoplasty in school-age children: Clinical and aesthetic results
Aynur Aliyeva1, Ramil Hashimli2
1Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Catholic University St.Mary Hospital Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; Neuroscience Doctoral Program, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
The inside-out otoplasty technique effectively corrects prominent ears in children, leading to high satisfaction and improved self-esteem. This safe procedure offers significant aesthetic and psychological benefits for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Prominent ears (macrotia) are a common congenital condition causing psychological distress in children.
- Surgical correction aims to improve ear aesthetics and boost self-confidence.
- The "inside-out" otoplasty technique offers a novel approach to ear reshaping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and aesthetic outcomes of the "inside-out" otoplasty technique.
- To assess patient and parental satisfaction after the procedure.
- To determine the efficacy of this technique in school-aged children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 20 children (aged 7-17) who underwent bilateral "inside-out" otoplasty.
- Postoperative evaluation at one year using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Focus on internal and external cartilage reshaping to create natural ear folds.
Main Results:
- 60% of patients rated "very much improved" (GAIS), 30% "much improved," and 10% "improved."
- 95% of parents reported "very" or "completely" satisfied with ear appearance and symmetry.
- VAS scores (1-3) indicated high patient satisfaction and positive psychological outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The "inside-out" otoplasty technique is effective for correcting prominent ears in children.
- The procedure yields significant aesthetic and psychological benefits, enhancing social integration.
- It is a safe early treatment option that does not impede ear growth.
Aim:
Prominent ears are a common congenital deformity that can cause significant psychological distress, especially in school-age children. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and aesthetic outcomes of the ''inside-out'' otoplasty technique in addressing prominent ears in children aged 7 to 17.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted on 20 children (5 boys, 15 girls) who underwent bilateral ''inside-out'' otoplasty. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated at one year using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess clinical success and parental satisfaction. The procedure focused on reshaping the ear cartilage internally and externally to form natural helical and antihelical folds.
Results:
Among the 20 patients, 60 % were rated as "very much improved" on the GAIS scale, 30 % as "much improved," and 10 % as "improved." No cases of "no change" or "worse" were observed. Additionally, 95 % of parents reported being "very" or "completely" satisfied with the appearance and symmetry of their children's ears, reflecting a high level of aesthetic and clinical success. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores demonstrated significant satisfaction, with all patients scoring between 1 and 3, further confirming the positive clinical and psychological outcomes of the ''inside-out'' otoplasty technique.
Conclusion:
The "inside-out" otoplasty technique effectively corrects prominent ears in school-age children, providing aesthetic and psychological benefits. Early intervention improves ear appearance, boosts social integration, and enhances self-confidence. The procedure is safe and does not impact ear growth, making it a valuable early treatment option for children with prominent ears.
