Carbon Dioxide Laser-Assisted Cartilage Reshaping Otoplasty for Prominent Ears

Abstract

Outstanding ear is the most common congenital deformity of the external ear. The existence of over 200 different otoplasty techniques not only gives the surgeon plenty of selection but also indicates that no single technique has been found suitable to correct all the different components that can contribute to auricular protuberance. Many of these techniques have proven successful in their ability to achieve high patient satisfaction despite the significant variations in these techniques. Despite high patient contentment, each technique has intrinsic strong points, limitations, and complications. So the revolution in the fine art of sculpturing otoplasty is in the talent to realize such three aspects together with consideration of the elastic properties of ear cartilage and its thickness. Applying novel tools such as laser interacting with the cartilage components whatever its thickness and leading to cartilage reshaping is a promising sculpture implement. In the track of decision making is the infinitely complex structure of the auricle, great variation between individuals, and dissimilarities between the two sides of the same individual. The present approach to treat outstanding ears includes a careful evaluation of the deformity in the context of normative standards. The goal is symmetry with innovative use of constructing the auricle in three dimensions and correction of each part of the deformity using carbon dioxide laser followed by internal suture molding.