How much cartilage from the Concha Bowl can you remove for an Otopalsty?

Question

I was just curious as to know how much of the concha bowl can be removed during an otoplasty? Also is there a specific length of the concha bowl (in mm, cm, or inches) that is typically removed during Otoplasty or does it depend on the individual? I have also heard removal of part the concha bowl is one of the few ways to ensure ears don't relapse or "spring back out" after an Otoplasty is this true? Is recovery time longer for concha removal? Thanks for any input.

Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS · Answer

There are numerous techniques to performing a successful otoplasty procedure, many of which are based on patient circumstance and surgeon preference.  In my extensive experience with otoplasty, I rarely find it necessary to remove cartilage, as removal can leave irregularities and sharp edges.  When proper technique is utilized, the correction should be permanent, regardless of whether cartilage is removed.Best of luck!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

A large amount can be removed or less depending on how much the surgeon wants to set the ear in closer to the head. Removing conceal excess will have little to do with springback if properly done. See a very experienced Otoplasty  surgeon for the best results.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I do not make any cuts in the conchal bowl as this can result in sharp, surgical lines in the ear contour and an unnatural look. In most cases where the bowl is overprojected, small amount of cartilage and soft tissue are removed from the back of the ear to allow the ear to setback. Permanent sutures are placed to hold the ear in position over the coming years and decades. Conchal cartilage does not need to be removed and does not guarantee a more durable result. Every surgeon loves performing otoplasty but few have the experience. Make sure that you can review before and after photos to ensure that your chosen surgeon has the experience to give you the result that you desire. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Most often no conchal bowl cartilage is removed as this is not necessary. However, there are exception when there is a relatively large concha requiring reduction.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we  make a cut in the conchal bowl to relax the spring of the cartilage, and do not remove any conchal bowl. The  potential spring-back of the ears is to do the sutures breaking through that created the anti helical fold.

How much cartilage from the Concha Bowl can you remove for an Otopalsty?

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