Technique for correction of macrotia by retroauricular approach

Transverse predominant macrotia is a congenital malformation of the ear or pinna, that is, located in the external ear. The main characteristic of this malformation is that the pinna is overdeveloped.

This malformation must be corrected, frequently, together with other alterations in the shape of the pinna/ear in the same operation, avoiding future surgeries.

In general, malformed ears have many forms of presentation. Thus, they range from irregularities in the contour, constriction at its base, acuminamiento in its outermost portion, asymmetries and malrotations, in addition to structural development defects.

Importance of choosing the best technique for the correction of macrotia

Currently there are more than 250 otoplasty techniques depending on the patient’s needs. This forces the indication of one or the other to be very precise on the part of the specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Otherwise, the consequences of inadequate treatment with conventional techniques in ears with excessive overgrowth (especially in the most cephalic third), if an accurate diagnosis is not established, will lead to unacceptable results, which will require increasingly complex subsequent surgeries.

Macrotia correction techniques used so far

Until now, otoplasties required mutilation of the skin and cartilage in an overly aggressive manner. This entailed a loss of tissue, biological/living material that may always be necessary for any subsequent facial reconstruction (palpebral, nasal). Likewise, another consequence was the scars of anterior approach, unlike the technique presented here, with retroauricular approach, with no exposed or visible scars.