'External' Mustarde suture technique in otoplasty

Although preferences may vary in otoplasty surgery the antihelical fold is frequently created using Mustarde sutures. Technically it is important to insert the needle through the cartilage at right angles and to take a good 'bite' of cartilage. These technical objectives are easily achieved by bringing the needle out through the skin and then placing it in a redirected course through exactly the same needle hole from which it exited the skin. The technique is simple and easily learnt.