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Otoplasty. Clinical protocol and long-term results
1Division of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, Calif, USA.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Otoplasty for prominent ears shows significant loss of correction over time, especially at the upper pole. Despite this, most patients and families report high satisfaction with the surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Aesthetic Surgery Outcomes
Background:
- Prominent ears affect self-esteem in pediatric patients.
- Otoplasty is a common surgical procedure to correct ear protrusion.
- Long-term outcome data for otoplasty is crucial for patient counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and patient satisfaction following otoplasty for prominent ears.
- To assess the degree of correction maintenance and potential relapse over several years post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective measurement of ear protrusion using the Frankfort horizontal line preoperatively and postoperatively.
- Follow-up measurements at a minimum of 1 year after surgery for 31 of 51 pediatric patients.
- Patient and family satisfaction survey administered at follow-up.
Main Results:
- One-third of ears returned to their original position, one-third maintained immediate postoperative results, and one-third showed partial relapse.
- An average of 58% of correction at the superior rim was lost over time.
- 78% achieved good to excellent ear symmetry, with a 3% revision rate and 9% stitch granuloma rate.
Conclusions:
- A substantial loss of otoplasty correction is common long-term, particularly at the superior aspect of the ear.
- Despite potential relapse, otoplasty generally leads to high patient and family satisfaction.
- Otoplasty remains an effective procedure for improving prominent ears and patient well-being.