[Malformations of the auricle and their correction].

Owing to the stigma attached to auricular malformations, many patients request surgical correction. According to Weerda, such malformations can be classified into three grades of severity. Since the higher-grade malformations are often associated with malformation of the auditory canal and middle ear, and thus with hardness of hearing, early ENT evaluation of hearing problems is mandatory. Surgical correction of the auricle should not be attempted before the age of 5 years, and partial or total reconstruction in the case of anotia, is not considered before the age of 8. In such cases, autologous rib cartilage is needed to ensure construction of a natural-looking auricle. Standardized surgical procedures are available to correct the whole range of auricular malformations with good cosmetic results and a high level of patient satisfaction.