Surgical correction of prominent ears: association of the Furnas and Mustardé techniques

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Prominent ears, popularly known as bat ears, are the most common deformity of the head and neck, occurring in approximately 5% of the general population. This study aims to demonstrate that, with the use of simple surgical techniques, it is possible to correct the deformity and achieve optimal patient satisfaction.

Method:

A total of 60 patients of both sexes, aged between 11 and 40 years, underwent bilateral otoplasty between February 2009 and December 2010.

Results:

In all cases, bilateral otoplasty was performed. There were no cases of hematomas, surgical site infection, or hypertrophic scars. In 5 cases (8.3%) visible scars or foreign body granulomas were found in the posterior surface of the ear. Chondritis occurred in one patient. Bilateral residual deformity occurred in 3 cases at 1 year post-surgery. Total recurrence was observed in 1 case (1.7%). After one year of surgery, 56 patients (93.3%) considered the result as good and were satisfied, 3 patients underwent reintervention for residual deformity, and total recurrence occurred in 1 case, which the patient did not wish to correct.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates that concurrent use of the Mustardé and Furnas otoplasty techniques results in a high degree of satisfaction and a low rate of complications. The procedure can easily be performed at the outpatient level and at a low cost.

Keywords:
Ear/surgery; Surgical procedures; Acquired ear defects