Otoplasty Procedure: Incisionless Otoplasty Vs. Traditional Method

Incisionless otoplasty involves placing sutures in the ear to create a new anti-helical fold, or enhance and existing fold.  The advantages are that there are no incisions/very small incisions.  The disadvantages are that there are limitations to the results that can be achieved and the longevity of the results.  The most important thing is patient selection.  Overall, the incisions from otoplasty, behind the ear, heal incredibly well. It is hard to see the incision because of the location and they end up healing VERY well in the vast majority of people.  Focusing on achieving the best possible results, in my view, is the most important thing.

Setback otoplasty is performed
through a relatively small incision on the back of the ear.  This incision allows precise placement
of structural sutures which optimizes the contour of the ear.  These incisions heal nicely and are
well hidden behind the ear.  It’s
unusual for patients to complain about scarring once the wounds have healed.

For this reason, incisionless
otoplasty doesn’t seem to offer a major advantage over traditional
otoplasty.  In addition this
approach might compromise the final contour of the ear.  As a result, the majority of plastic
surgeons prefer a traditional technique.

Incisionless otoplasty can be useful for a small subset of patients who have minor ear prominence.  The technique involves placement of sutures through the skin to reshape the ear.  The problem with this technique is a higher risk of recurrent prominence after healing.  The traditional technique allows the placement of sutures, as well as cartilage softening, and cartilage reduction.  In skilled hands, the traditional approach allows correction of virtually any ear prominence problem, while the incisionless approach has limitations.