Otoplasty Alternative - Stitch Method?

Question

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?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

There are many different techniques for Otoplasty, and each surgeon has their own specific techniques, which will usually vary from one patient to another. "Incisionless" or "Stitch" techniques carry the same risks as other methods, including bleeding, scarring, infection, need for revision surgery, dissatisfaction with the results, etc. Keep in mind that techniques that do not involve any skin excision or setting back the bowl of the ear are not right for every patient.
Be sure to see an expert.
All the best,

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

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.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

This method, which is the first truly minimally invasive method for pinning protruding ears, was named “Stitch Method” because the only fixing elements holding the ears in their new position are the stitches that must always be non-absorbable (permanent). Scars, that result from the traditional methods and which together with the stitches maintain the new position of the ears, do not occur with my “Stitch Method” and are unnecessary, as shown by my long-term results over a period of 18 years that are based on over 8000 successfully operated ears. My long-term results show that the widely held opinion in the literature that the ears must be held in their new position by scars is false, if non-absorbable stitches are used.It has been asserted in the postings in this forum that the stitch method cannot pin all ears. That is not correct. Whoever writes that is not familiar with the method, or is not using it correctly, or is using another method. With the stitch method, all ears, regardless how thick or hard the cartilage is, can be successfully pinned and in ears with a big deep cavum conchae, also. Unfortunately, many colleagues often lump the stitch method together with the “Incisionless Otoplasty” by Fritsch, although there are many differences between Dr Fritsch’s “Incisionless Otoplasty” and the Stitch method. The Fritsch method is significantly more invasive than the Stitch method, especially as Fritsch scores the cartilage. Scoring is, however, an unnecessary step backwards towards the traditional methods and is associated with numerous risks, as reported in the literature. These risks no longer occur at all with the stitch method, as the entire cartilage is not worked on, nor is it scored.  Kind regards from Priv.Doz.Dr.med.W.Merck, Konstanz, Germany

William Portuese, MD · Answer

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 bowl, then a portion of this needs to be resected, removed, and sewn back down closer to the side of the head. This is an outpatient procedure, done under local anesthesia and takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half to perform.

Marcus L. Peterson, MD · Answer

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

Otoplasty Alternative - Stitch Method?

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Otoplasty Alternative - Stitch Method?

Answers (8)

Answer: Otoplasty techniques

Answer: Otoplasty techniques

Answer: Otoplasty techniques

Answer: Otoplasty techniques

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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