MORBIDITY OF OTOPLASTY - A REVIEW OF 562 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Otoplasty is a routinely performed procedure in virtually all plastic surgery units. However, there are few comprehensive reports in the literature on the incidence of complications. In a review of 562 consecutive patients we found significant morbidity. Residual deformity, haemorrhage, infection, keloid/hypertrophic scarring and anterior skin necrosis were recorded and incidence determined. Cases requiring revision i.e., those with residual deformity were analysed further. The fault at the primary procedure was mostly that of design (73.4%), although many other residual problems were due to poor execution of technique (26.6%). Steps are described to minimise the need for such revision.