Our Summary

This research paper is about a surgical technique to fix protruding ears, which affect about 5% of the population. The technique, developed by Gottfried Lemperle in 2003, involves making an incision along the front part of the ear, thinning and reshaping the inner ridge of the ear (the antihelix), and then securing it with special stitches that don’t dissolve.

The researchers looked back at patient records from surgeries performed at a hospital in Frankfurt, Germany between 1985 and 2014. They found that out of 912 surgeries, around 26% had minor complications that didn’t require additional surgery, and 11% had major complications that required further surgery. The most common reasons for needing more surgery were the ear sticking out again, issues with the stitches, and blood clots.

The study concluded that Lemperle’s technique is easy to perform, safe, and the rate of complications is low compared to other studies. Importantly, it also avoids common issues with the shape of the inner ridge of the ear that can occur with other techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical technique developed by Gottfried Lemperle in 2003 to fix protruding ears?
  2. What were the most common complications that required additional surgery following the initial otoplasty procedure?
  3. How did the study conclude about the safety and effectiveness of Lemperle’s technique in fixing protruding ears?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might give a patient about otoplasty is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could put pressure on the ears, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress. It is also important to be patient during the healing process, as it can take several weeks for the final results to be fully visible.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those with protruding ears, also known as prominent ears. This condition can be present from birth or develop as a result of trauma. Otoplasty is often recommended for children as young as 5 or 6 years old, as the ears are almost fully grown by this age. However, otoplasty can also be performed on adults who are bothered by the appearance of their ears.

In addition to protruding ears, patients may also be recommended for otoplasty if they have misshapen or asymmetrical ears, or if they have suffered an injury that has affected the appearance of their ears. Otoplasty can also be recommended for patients who have had previous otoplasty surgery that was unsuccessful or resulted in complications.

Overall, otoplasty is a safe and effective surgical technique for correcting the appearance of protruding or misshapen ears, and can greatly improve a patient’s self-confidence and quality of life.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure, expected results, and any potential risks.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation to ensure the patient is a good candidate for otoplasty and to assess the anatomy of the ears.
  3. Consent form signing and pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.
  4. Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance if necessary.
  5. Surgery scheduling and preparation for the procedure.

After otoplasty:

  1. Post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including how to care for the incisions, manage pain, and avoid complications.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and remove any dressings or sutures.
  3. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort may be present for the first few days after surgery.
  4. Gradual improvement in the appearance of the ears as swelling decreases and the ears settle into their new shape.
  5. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which time the patient should avoid strenuous activities and protect their ears from trauma.
  6. Final results of otoplasty may be visible after several months, once all swelling has subsided and the ears have fully healed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What qualifications do you have to perform otoplasty surgery?

  2. Can you explain the specific technique you will be using for my otoplasty procedure?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?

  4. How long is the recovery process for otoplasty and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  5. Will I need to wear any special bandages or garments after the surgery?

  6. How long will it take for me to see the final results of the otoplasty procedure?

  7. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities I should be aware of during the recovery period?

  8. What is the success rate of otoplasty surgery in terms of achieving the desired results?

  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery or touch-ups after the initial procedure?

  10. Can you provide before and after photos of previous otoplasty patients you have treated with a similar technique?

Reference

Authors: Kühn S, Wöhler N, Wehle A, Küenzlen L, Rothenberger J, Sader R, Lemperle G, Rieger UM. Journal: J Clin Med. 2021 Aug 20;10(16):3713. doi: 10.3390/jcm10163713. PMID: 34442013