Is the Incisionless Otoplasty a Good Option for Teens?

The incisionless otoplasty technique is an excellent option for teenagers. This approach for the treatment of outstanding or prominent ears allows us to correct the ear deformity by placing permanent sutures percutaneously and burying them under the skin. This avoids the need for incisions or skin removal behind the ear. The technique has been used with great success in my practice in patients of all ages.

As stated the "incisionless" otoplasty requires the ear to be easily contoured using percutaneous placement of permanent sutures that are similar to those placed during traditional open otoplasty. However the success depends on the ability to bend or flex the cartilage as well as concealing the sutures without having them become exposed. This is not as easy as it sounds and requires supple and thin cartilage to be successful.  

The incision-less Otoplasty is a very good technique for teens.  It is useful in properly selected individuals.  However, the technique is only as good as the surgeon.  it should also be kept in mind that it is not the technique that is important but the result.  It is best to consult an experienced ear surgeon to see what technique is best for your situation.

The best method for you depends completely on each ear. In our practice, when patients present for an otoplasty they usually have two different ears. Their ears may vary in shape, position, and size. If you are only interested in changing the contour of the ear or the rim, and incisionless otoplasty may be all that's necessary. However, if you would like your ears set back, a small incision behind your ear in the crease where your ear meets your scalp is necessary.   more

The incision-less technique for otoplasty is ideal for children or teenagers that have soft and malleable ear cartilages. For those with strong cartilages the traditional technique is better and the scar being behind the ear is of no consequence.

It depends. If YOUR cause of prominent ears is JUST a mild flattening of the antihelix, then, yes, placing a few permanent sutures will address it nicely. BUT, if you have OTHER deformities of the ear as well such as a very prominent bowl (concha) which may need to rotated more towards the back of the ear and, or its rim removed to create a more shallow, visually pleasing concha, or other deformities such as a deformed or elongated ear lobule, obtaining a nicer result WOULD require surgical... more