Which otoplasty technique is best to treat my prominent ears? (Photo)

This is a great question and you will likely receive answers recommending a variety of approaches. In my own experience, cartilage cutting can create unnatural contours. Cartilage can be shaved from the back of the bowl of the ear but I would not recommend making incisions completely through the cartilage as this can create sharp, surgical appearing contour to the ear that look bad. In the vast majority of cases permanent sutures are used to shape the upper part of the ear as well as set back or "pin" the lower part of the ear. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is always best to pick the best surgeon rather than try to pick the best technique. That is their job to explain why the procedure picked is best for you in their hands. The most critical decision to be made in achieving the best plastic surgical result is picking the most experienced and talented, that is the best, plastic surgeon possible. Too often, patients choose a physician based on a catchy ad, the brand name of a technique, the basis of one or two before and after photos, or their web site’s search engine ranking. These criteria will not find the most experienced and talented plastic surgeon. See the below link on how to find the best Otoplasty (ear) surgeon.

Based on your photos, your ears appear prominent from deep conchal bowls. We have had great success placing conchal setback sutures, usually three per ear, without removing conchal cartilage. Depending on your examination, you may also benefit from Mustarde sutures to bring the tops of your ears closer to your head.Wishing you well.Dr. Joseph

Otoplasty is rewarding procedure
for both the surgeon and the patient. There are 2 common techniques to
improve the shape of the ears:1) Cartilage sparing (suture technique)2) Cartilage cutting Both of these techniques can create great results.
There are pros and cons for each method, but I choose to use the
cartilage sparing or permanent suture technique. In reviewing your pictures, it appears you have lost the fold in the top of the ear and the "bowl" part of the ear is large.  For these reasons, I would recommend 2 types of sutures to improve your ears.  1 suture would recreate the fold in the top of the ear and the other suture would bring the ears closer to the head.  The technical term for these sutures are Mustarde and Furnas sutures.I hope this helps.  

Thank you for the question and pictures. You are correct in that there are many different ways to perform otoplasty surgery. Probably more important than the specific technique utilized will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. Personally, the most common techniques I use include conchal setbacks utilizing permanent sutures (no cartilage excision) as well as "reconstruction" of the anti-helical folds. You may find the attached link, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

The most gentle method is the Dr Merck Stitch Method. It involves the least risks, achieves natural-looking ears and can now show long-lasting results. The “removal of cartilage method” involves considerably more risks.

 In our practice, most patients require suture techniques applied to recreate the antihelical fold after incisions are made in the cartilage to recreate the fold. The sutures which are permanent, hold the antihelical fold in place. Further sutures are required on the conchal bowl to hold the entire ear back towards the mastoid fascia.

It is impossible to say without the benefit of evaluating you in person.  The particular technique used will depend on what the underlying reason is why the ears are prominent.  You should consult with several board certified plastic or facial plastic surgeons to be evaluated and get their opinions.  Choose someone you feel comfortable with.  Best wishes and be safe.