To bend or soften an anti helix in ear, is a standard crochet needle the only thing needed?

Question

To bend or soften an anti helix in ear, is a standard crochet needle the only thing needed by scraping it a few times? And is it possible to reshape it without any stitches?

Daniel J. Givens, MD · Answer

Typically, otoplasty is performed to correct a prominent ear.  Most surgeons do not use the technique that you have pictured, but there are many variations on the procedure.  Typically, an incision is created behind the ear and a suture is used to define the antihelical fold, and a second suture is used to set back the lower "conchal bowl" of the ear.  I recommend you seek consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

The technique that you show in the photo is one of the steps of the incisionless otoplasty by Fritsch. The cartilage on the front of the ear is scratched (called scoring) with a needle. However, that alone is not enough. Additional holding stitches still need to be inserted; these are placed around the ear cartilage with an incisionless technique, leading to the new position of the ears. Then there is still a similar method, the so-called stitch method, by which scoring of the cartilage is not necessary. With this method, the ear is brought into the desired position only with holding stitches, which are also inserted into the ear using an incisionless technique.

To bend or soften an anti helix in ear, is a standard crochet needle the only thing needed?

Answers (2)

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