OTOPLASTY USING THE POSTAURICULAR SKIN FLAP TECHNIQUE

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the postauricular skin flap tec hnique in otoplasty. Design: We conducted a case series study of 25 pa tients who underwent bilateral otoplasty for prominent ears over a 4-y ear period. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Setting: Academ ic tertiary care referral center. Patients: Twenty-five patients with congenitally prominent bilateral ears, aged 5 to 38 years of age. Inte rvention: Cartilage-sparing otoplasties were performed with access usi ng the postauricular skin flap technique. The specifics of cartilage c orrection were determined by the surgeon based on the patients' anatom ic deformity. Outcome Measure: Clinically noted aesthetic results, com plications, and patient satisfaction Results: No complications, such a s hypertrophic scarring, keloid formation, scar migration, ear deformi ty, or obliteration of the postauricular sulcus, were noted. Patient s atisfaction with the procedure was generally high. Conclusion: We conc lude that the postauricular skin flap approach to otoplasty is safe, p rovides excellent exposure, is amenable to most cartilage surgical tec hniques, and is a valuable addition to otoplasty techniques.