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A New Method of Correcting Cryptotia by Changing Mechanical Fulcrum After Constricted Cartilage Overturned

  • Original Article
  • Facial Surgery
  • Published:
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Many techniques have been introduced to correct cryptotia. The previous methods are releasing the constricted cartilage and changing the mechanical fulcrum partly to the right position. However, some patients are still not satisfied with the treatment results, due to cryptotia recurrence and insufficient superior 1/3 width. This study aimed to develop a new method for completely changing the mechanical direction of constricted cartilage for correcting cryptotia.

Methods

From 2007 to 2020, twenty-four cryptotia patients were treated. During surgical reconstruction, the retroauricular skin flap was elevated, the posterior aspect of the upper auricular cartilage was completely exposed, and the abnormal insertion of the auricular intrinsic muscles detached. The sharply curved antihelical cartilage was cut and overturned, and the scalp skin flap was undermined and advanced toward the postauricular sulcus. The edge of the retroauricular scalp flap is fixed on the mastoid periosteum. The incision was closed.

Results

Eighteen patients had unilateral cryptotia, and six had bilateral cryptotia. Relatively favorable results were obtained in the follow-up period (range, 6–48 months). There were no cases of skin necrosis, complications, or revision surgery.

Conclusions

The main advantages of this technique are the surgically reproducible results, and that it can be applied to most cases. The method described in this paper could potentially increase the width of the upper third of the auricle and reduce recurrence rate, while also leaving an inconspicuous scar and a satisfactory auricular contour. It is suggested that this technique could be an alternative method of cryptotia correction.

Level of Evidence IV

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639, Zhi Zao Ju Rd., Shanghai, 200011, China

    Datao Li, Tianya Li, Ruhong Zhang, Qun Zhang, Zhicheng Xu, Feng Xu, Yiyuan Li & Xia Chen

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  1. Datao Li
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  2. Tianya Li
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  3. Ruhong Zhang
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  4. Qun Zhang
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  8. Xia Chen
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Correspondence to Ruhong Zhang.

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The study followed the Declaration of HELSINKI guidelines, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

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Li, D., Li, T., Zhang, R. et al. A New Method of Correcting Cryptotia by Changing Mechanical Fulcrum After Constricted Cartilage Overturned. Aesth Plast Surg 45, 2781–2787 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02413-1

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