Aesthetic surgery journal
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Aesthetic surgery journal · Mar 2010
Separating the helix from the antihelix: a new concept in prominent ear correction.
For over a century, various otoplasty techniques for correction of the prominent ear have been attempted. Nevertheless, cartilage memory strength, mainly in the thick cartilage (and consequently the recurrence of the prominence), still remains a problem. An additional difficulty relates to the antihelix irregularities caused by attempts to weaken the cartilage spring, which are time-consuming and in some cases lead to an unnatural-looking result. ⋯ The present technique introduces a new concept in otoplasty that avoids handling the antihelix cartilage. A single incision of the antihelix breaks the cartilage spring memory completely and allows rebuilding of the antihelical fold without resorting to techniques such as rasping, drilling, excision, or complete incision, all of which are time-consuming and may result in irregularities. Sutures are placed to create the new antihelix in the desired shape easily and without tension. The helix and earlobe are repositioned with a specific posterior skin resection and with the tail of the helix's replacement.