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Earlobe Rotation for Prevention and Correction of Pixie Ear During Rhytidectomy in Asian Patients
Background:
The most common deformity of the ear or earlobe appearing after a facelift is the pixie ear deformity.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to devise and exercise a method to prevent ear deformity, including pixie ear, when performing a facelift and to correct it if it has already occurred.
Methods:
Extended deep-plane rhytidectomy was performed between January 2017 and May 2024, and 76 patients who had passed 12 months post-surgery were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 40 patients, who underwent W-plasty of incision and a combined botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) injection around the incision site. Group 2 consisted of 36 patients, who underwent rotation of the lower earlobe after W-plasty of the incision and combined BoNTA injection around the incision site.
Results:
In a postoperative comparison between the 2 groups, Group 2 demonstrated superior outcomes over Group 1 by 8.4% on the right and 8.9% on the left, which was statistically significant (P = .007, P = .006).
Conclusions:
Partial rotation of the earlobe is demonstrated as a practical and effective surgical approach to prevent and correct pixie ear deformity.
Level Of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic):
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