ABSTRACT
Otoplasty is an effective procedure in alleviating psychosocial distress in the majority of patients who undergo correction. The lack of the antihelical fold also contributes to increased conchal depth. Age 6-7 years is a reasonable age to perform otoplasty because: Younger patients might be operated on if the deformity is extremely severe necessitating earlier intervention due to psychosocial reasons and are advised that there may be a higher chance of recurrence or relapse. Adequate knowledge of otoplasty techniques as well as appropriate training and experience are keys to performance of otoplasty surgery with good outcome. The goals of prominent ear correction are creating the antihelical fold, reducing conchal depth and reducing lobule protrusion. Overall, cartilage reshaping in otoplasty can be classified as cartilage-sparing techniques (suturing only) and cartilage-cutting techniques (scoring, breaking or excision). Cartilage suturing to define the antihelix was first described by Mustarde and forms the basis for most otoplasty techniques currently.
