Modified Anterior Scoring Otoplasty Without Sutures: Description and Case Series

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025 Jun;49(11):2949-2955. doi: 10.1007/s00266-025-04763-6. Epub 2025 Mar 31.

Abstract

Background and introduction: Ear deformities constitute a condition with a high psychological impact in both children/adolescents and adults. In anthelix correction, the use of cartilage scoring techniques, mainly based on the Chongchet technique, was observed. These techniques require neoanthelix maintenance sutures. In this article, we present a variation of the anterior cartilage scoring technique according to Chongchet without the use of sutures.

Material and method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 patients who underwent otoplasty using a variation of the anterior scoring technique between 2015 and 2023. Data on recurrence rates and complications were collected.

Results: No recurrences were observed during the follow-up period, indicating the stability of the results achieved with the modified technique. Abnormal scars were observed in 16% of cases, while no major complications were reported.

Discussion and conclusion: The modified anterior scoring otoplasty technique described represents a promising alternative to traditional approaches, offering stable and aesthetically pleasing results without the need for sutures.

Level of evidence iv: 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: Anterior scoring otoplasty; Auricular deformities; Otoplasty; Prominent ears.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Ear Cartilage* / abnormalities
  • Ear Cartilage* / surgery
  • Ear, External* / abnormalities
  • Ear, External* / surgery
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suture Techniques
  • Sutures
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult