Question:
I’ve heard of two approaches for reducing the conchal bowl in the ear: resecting sections of cartilage from this area, and using permanent sutures to pin back the ears. What are the pros and cons of these two techniques and is one better than the other?
Answer:
Depending upon the size of the conchal bowl you may require both cartilage resection and permanent sutures to set back the ear for your otoplasty to be successful. These otoplasty techniques are not really mutually exclusive and are often times performed concurrently. It is not a situation where permanent sutures are better or less risky than conchal cartilage resection. To achieve an esthetically pleasing ear you may have both of these procedures performed.
Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld
