Background: Otoplasty is a century-old procedure that, through continued modifications, now has over two hundred different procedures described in the literature. In this article, we seek to describe the anatomy and principles of aesthetic otoplasty, as well as some of the key contributions to aesthetic otoplasty. This article will also outline some of the most commonly used techniques today and associated patient outcomes.
Methods: We present a review of the literature of relevant anatomy, pathophysiology and common techniques and outcomes. We also provide a discussion of several patients with associated techniques and outcomes.
Results: The treatment of prominent ear has developed through manipulation and experimentation. The outcomes are defined by the native anatomy, the surgical technique and the attention to patient-centered outcomes.
Conclusion: Aesthetic otoplasty remains one of the most important surgical techniques and common procedures in plastic surgery. Using an integrated approach guided by known principles as well as patient goals allows for optimal outcome in aesthetic otoplasty.
Level of evidence v: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Keywords: Aesthetic otoplasty; Incisionless otoplasty; Minimally invasive plastic surgery; Patient-centered plastic surgery; Patient-centric outcomes; Perichondrio-adipo-dermal flap technique; Scaphomastoid sutures.