Otoplasty using a spherical metal head dermabrador to form a retroauricular furrow: five-year results.

Since 1987 we have performed more than 300 otoplasties using a combined technique, i.e., furrowing the cartilage retroauricularly with the dermabrasion tool with a spherical metal head, followed by vertical mattress sutures. To undertake a retrospective study (subjective results), we sent a questionnaire to 267 patients (100%) who underwent surgery a minimum of one year prior (average 2.53 years). One hundred sixty-seven forms were returned (63%) and the case sheets of these patients were collected. To objectify the results, 102 patients (38.6%) were drafted and 38 (14.3%) could be controlled. By reviewing the literature, where only a few long-term surveys could be found, an analysis of long-term results was performed. Both the subjective findings and the objective results showed a successful operative outcome and proved that by using this combined technique a far better result can be obtained than with most other techniques.