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Otoplasty Alternative - Stitch Method?

I am considering otoplasty and I looked at Dr.Merk's stitch method... it sounds too good to be true, it really sounds like magic, is this something I should consider? or is this something unrealistic that could bring complications?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by David2 in Australia

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (1)

Otoplasty Technique

There are several techniques that are used to perform otoplasty. The "incisionless" or minimally invasive technique is a viable option for some people. This will depend upon what makes your ear protrude. An examination of your ear by an experienced otoplasty surgeon would be the best way to determine if this is right for you.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

19 reviews

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drsteiger.com

Otoplasty techniques

There are several anatomical configurations of the ear that make it look prominent. There are many different techniques that need to be blended through the appropriate surgical approach to deal with a prominent ear. The antihelical fold is sometimes absent, which makes the ear stick out further from the side of the head. Cuts in the cartilage and meticulous suturing techniques are performed through an incision behind the ear. If part of the problem is a prominent cartilaginous conchal... more

Otoplasty techniques

When you perform an otoplasty you try to correct the parts of the ear that are abnormal. Any one particular technique will not work for all otoplasties. The objective is to do the least amount of tissue manipulation that will give you a long lasting result with a normal appearance. Discuss you ear appearance with a plastic surgeon and see what is required. Best Wishes Dr. Peterson

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

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Alternate methods for Otoplasty

Hello David, I have been performing incisionless otoplasties for six years now and, even though not all patients are candidates for this procedure, it is a long lasting and excellent technique. I find that most people are candidates for this operation with less than 20% requiring some cartilage excision or other modifications. The technique is the same as the Mustarde sutures that my colleague mentions, but the difference is that the stitches are placed through the skin and buried... more

Prominent ear, ear correction, stitch method

In my experience only suture method has high incidence of recurrence particularly in adults with thick cartilage. Otoplasty is very challenging because of recurrence, hence most prefer to modify the shape of cartilage with direct access to break its memory and prevent re-occurence.

Sanjay Parashar, MD

3 reviews

Dubai Plastic Surgeon

Methods of Otoplasty

Things that seem too good to be true frequently are. Use of sutures to reshape the ear is a method that has been around for many years. The original description was by Dr. Mustardé. The difference in his and the present method is the lack of incision with the present. Over the years, I have found the suture method applicable about 20% of the time. The others have required something else in order to make the procedure lasting. I really see little advantage to the “stitch... more

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Comments (1)

Janedoe101
3 months ago

Hi, I realise this is an old post, but I am replying in case you still need an answer. I had this done 6 months ago (to the day, actually!) at the Palma clinic. I'm from the UK. I'm not usually the kind of person who goes for the 'quick fix', but I have struggled with my ears for years and couldn't bear the thought of having bandages for weeks after. I used to completely hide away my ears under my hair, so only a couple of people had really seen them, so I didnt want to advertise the fact that I was having them corrected! I can only speak for myself, and not anyone else but I am over the moon with the results. Yes it does hurt (not during, there is local anaesthetic) but you are given prescription painkillers to help. I wouldn't say it's an instant thing, I had pain for one week, and mine did get a bit swollen and stuff, but once this went, I was totally thrilled. No one knew, apart from my partner and people I had chosen to tell, but I just wish I had done this years ago (I'm nearly 30 now). I don't have a medical background so I am sure the concerns mentioned are valid, but I had a good experience. The clinic was very professional (like a big private hospital), the Dr and his assistant were super kind and consulted with my throughout, and were available for email support after. My ears have not shifted at all since the surgery. I had panics that if I caught them on a jumper etc, they'd snap back! It doesn't happen. I have absolutely no scarring. It did worry me that this wasn't practised in the UK, as you do hear horror stories. I don't know why it isn't, there could be loads of reasons for that I suppose, but all I can say is it is honestly the best thing I have ever done. I went over with my partner for 3 days, having the op on day 2 and flying home the day after. Not much of a holiday but I would wholeheartedly recommend looking into this if you feel anything like as badly as I did. It might not be for everyone but I certainly don't think it should be viewed as a 'too good to be true' thing. Good luck.

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