Question:
What is incisionless otoplasty? What types of ears are best suited for this procedure?
Answer:
An incisionless otoplasty is a procedure where small needle insertions are created whereby suture is passed into the cartilage and tightened to fold the ear into a more pleasing shape. Soft pliable ears with a smaller degree of required improvement are best. In general though the procedure is more difficult and perhaps has less predictable and shorter lasting results. It is not a time tested procedure. When considering performing a procedure with less of an incision, I always ask if the lack of an incision is worth the added uncertainty. In this case I don’t think so. The incision for a traditional otoplasty is placed behind the ear exactly in the crease. It heals so well that even with inspection it is hard to find. I therefore don’t feel that the incisionless technique is beneficial and prefer to make an incision.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
