Otoplasty for the treatment of protuberant ears

Abstract

The goal of otoplasty is to make the protuberant ears less apparent by restoring them to a normal form and position while maintaining symmetry. The authors describe the history of otoplasty and discuss anatomy and development of the ear, indications for otoplasty of protuberant ears, anatomical causes of protuberant ears, preoperative considerations, and postoperative care complications. The surgical techniques are discussed for correction of protuberant ears that involve treatment of underdeveloped antihelical fold, conchal prominence and/or anterolateral rotation, prominent helix, and protruding earlobe.