Modern Otoplasty: Technique, Anatomy, and Postoperative Outcomes: Case Report
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Abstract
Prominent ears represent one of the most common congenital deformities of the auricle and may produce a significant aesthetic and psychological impact on affected patients. Otoplasty is the surgical procedure indicated for the correction of these alterations, aiming to restore a harmonious relationship between the auricle and the skull through modification of the auricular cartilage. We present the case of a 45-year-old female patient who presented with aesthetic dissatisfaction secondary to bilateral prominent ears present since childhood. Physical examination revealed an increased auriculocephalic angle associated with underdevelopment of the antihelical fold and mild hypertrophy of the conchal cartilage. Bilateral otoplasty was performed for aesthetic purposes using a combined technique that included recreation of the antihelical fold with permanent Mustardé sutures and conchomastopexy to decrease the auriculocephalic angle. The procedure was carried out without intraoperative complications and with an adequate postoperative course. Follow-up evaluation showed improvement in auricular position and symmetry, with proper definition of the antihelical fold and a minimally visible retroauricular scar. The patient reported a high level of satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. This case highlights the importance of appropriate preoperative anatomical assessment and the use of combined surgical techniques to achieve satisfactory aesthetic results in the correction of prominent ears in adult patients.
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