Cartilage-sparing otoplasty: a review with long-term results

Prominent ears are the most frequent congenital deformity in the head and neck region. Anatomy of normal and prominent ears as well as the psychological aspects of prominent ears are reviewed. Two types of surgical technique are described with emphasis on the cartilage-sparing technique. A sound pre-operative analysis, focusing on all parts of the deformity, and surgical techniques which are gradually applied to these deformities should result in pleasing, permanent changes for the vast majority of patients. In our opinion, a combination of cartilage-sparing techniques augmented with cartilage-weakening procedures give predictable long-term results with a natural appearing ear and concomitant few, easily treated complications.