Otoplasty using the postauricular skin flap technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the postauricular skin flap technique in otoplasty.

DESIGN: We conducted a case series study of 25 patients who underwent bilateral otoplasty for prominent ears over a 4-year period. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years.

SETTING: Academic tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS: Twenty-five patients with congenitally prominent bilateral ears, aged 5 to 38 years of age.

INTERVENTION: Cartilage-sparing otoplasties were performed with access using the postauricular skin flap technique. The specifics of cartilage correction were determined by the surgeon based on the patients' anatomic deformity.

OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinically noted aesthetic results, complications, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: No complications, such as hypertrophic scarring, keloid formation, scar migration, ear deformity, or obliteration of the postauricular sulcus, were noted. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was generally high.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that the postauricular skin flap approach to otoplasty is safe, provides excellent exposure, is amenable to most cartilage surgical techniques, and is a valuable addition to otoplasty techniques.