Combined otoplasty technique: chondrocutaneous conchal resection as the cornerstone to correction of the prominent ear

The failure to correctly analyze the complex deformity that comprises the prominent ear is the most common cause of the undesired surgical result. Recognizing conchal hypertrophy as one of the leading causes of the prominent ear deformity has led to a versatile and reproducible otoplasty technique that is easily modified to the common side-to-side variation in deformity. From January of 1993 to August of 2000, chondrocutaneous conchal resection has been used as the cornerstone to a combined sequence of maneuvers in otoplasty. The operation was performed on 47 patients (40 bilateral cases and 7 unilateral), and the total number of ears operated on was 87. There were three complications requiring revision surgery, and follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 7 years, with all patients achieving a satisfactory result. Detailed methods of chondrocutaneous conchal resection along with the sequence of the authors' combined otoplasty techniques are presented.