Ear constriction deformity and otoplasty ear plastic surgery
This is a group of congenital
ear deformities where the rim of the ear is tightened or constricted.
It can appear in many degrees from mild to severe.
In the mild form, the helix alone is involved. It can be only a slightly broad rim, but more commonly the helix is flattened or folded along the upper edge. This can cause a slight decreased height of the ear. The rolled helix may not even contain cartilage or have a tightly adherent double layer.
In a more severe form, the helix and scapha cartilage are constricted. The tightening can be severe enough that there is a deficiency of skin.
The most severe form has the ear rolled up almost in a tube. The entire ear and hairline may be set low. The front part of the helix may be tilted forward. There may be middle ear deformities causing hearing problems.
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This individual has a moderate deformity with hooding of the helix, a folding of the rim cartilage, and some shortening of height. The result is a pointed unattractive ear before surgery. Left Preoperative Photograph Right Photo Before Surgery |
See more before and after otoplasty surgery photographs of this patient. Treatment in this case needed bilateral banner flap reconstruction (graphic images).
Each patient's problem requires individual analysis for reconstruction. There are many operations for the many different types of constrictive ear deformity. Surgery for a minor problem may be as simple as shortening of an excessive overhang. For more severe deformities, cartilage may need to be moved. Cup Ear (Constricted or Lop) Deformity |
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Extra cartilage (a graft taken from elsewhere) may be needed for the framework. The concha is a common site for the extra cartilage. As the constriction becomes more severe, extra skin may be needed. This may be a graft or a flap moved from behind the ear in this lop ear deformity example. In the most severe deformities, there may be need for correction of a forward tilt of the ear and or evening a low set ear to match the other side.
Constricted Lop or Cup Ear Deformity |
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| Side / Front Images | More Pictures | Cup Ear Surgery | |||
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Otoplasty Ear Surgery |
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