Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-xbtfd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-19T15:45:56.550Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Otoplasty: the problem of the deep conchal bowl

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

N. J. P. Beasley
Affiliation:
Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
N. S. Jones*
Affiliation:
Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Walton Hospital, Liverpool, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr. N. S. Jones, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH. Fax: 0115 970 9748

Abstract

The correction of prominent ears requires a logical approach to address each of the anatomical defects present while bearing in mind the overall shape of the ear. The two most common problems encountered are the lack of an antihelix and a deep conchal bowl.

We describe a method of reducing the depth of the conchal bowl which avoids some of the problems previously encountered such as occlusion of the external auditory meatus and visible irregularity on the external surface of the pinna. Resection of the inferomedial part of the conchal bowl and thinning of the ponticulus allow realignment of the ear and prevent prominence of the antitragus. The ear is then secured with concha-mastoid sutures and the scapha-conchal angle can then be corrected to form an antihelix if necessary.

Type
Short Communications
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Adamson, P. A., Tropper, G. J., McGraw, B. L. (1991) Otoplasty. In Aesthetic Facial Surgery. 1st Edition. (Krause, C. J., Pastorek, N., Mangat, D. S., eds.), Lipincott-Raven. New York, pp 707734.Google Scholar
Converse, J. M., Nigro, A., Wilson, F. A., Johnson, N. (1955) A technique for surgical correction of lop ears. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 15: 411418.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Furnas, D. W. (1968) Correction of prominent ears by conchamastoid sutures. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 42: 189193.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Luckett, W. H. (1910) A new operation for prominent ears based on the anatomy of the deformity. Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics 10: 635637.Google Scholar
Morestin, M. H. (1903) De la reposition et du plissement cosmetiques du pavillion de l'orielle. Revue Orthopaedic 4: 289303.Google Scholar
Mustarde, J. C. (1963) The correction of prominent ears using simple mattress sutures. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 16: 170176.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed