Otoplasty: A New Simplified Technique

Otoplasty for the correction of protruding ears is being performed with increasing frequency, but, as yet, the technique has not been standardized. The purpose of this paper is to present a simple effective method of correcting this congenital defect. When seen in the newborn, the "lop ear" deformity is easily recognized, and frequently the distraught parents attempt to hold the protruding auricle back with external pressure, but to no avail. As the child grows older, he may become self-conscious and embarrassed by his defect, especially if it is brought to his attention by his family. For this reason, and also because the elasticity of the cartilage in the young lends itself to excellent surgical correction, I believe the preschool age is the opportune time for operation. No alteration in the normal growth of the auricular cartilage is seen postoperatively. Correction may be done at any age, however. Anatomy The pinna