[The surgical remodelling of prominent ears]

It is a common fallacy that the prominent ear correction is easy; on the contrary it is difficult to obtain a perfect result, as indicated by the continuous growth of new methods. For a long time we have used Mustardè's mattress suture technique (Francesconi) but quite often the result was incomplete and not infrequently there was recurrence. In recent years, in order to obtain a more complete and permanent correction, we have added to the mattress sutures the superficial scratching of the anterior aspect of the cartilage as suggested by Stenstrom. A well formed contour of the antihelix and of the crura is so reproduced and maintained by the spontaneous bending tendency of the auricular cartilage following abrasion. The surgeon is dealing with an intact cartilage so that many common inconveniences met with in other techniques are eliminated. No irregularities and no sharp ridges, which may project beneath the skin on the anterior surface, are formed and there is no persistent protrusion on the upper or lower portion of the ear. The technique is equally well suited when insufficient folding of the antihelix or when excessive cupping of the concha are pronounced features.