Asymmetric Z-plasty for Telephone Deformity in Prominent Ear Correction

Abstract

There have been plenty of surgical techniques for the correction of prominent ears. "Telephone deformity" or "reverse telephone ear" has been described as the undesired result of the inappropriate correction of the prominent ear, mainly the deficient correction of the lobule. We have performed an asymmetric Z-plasty to the lobule to overcome this deformity not only by excision of the excess skin but also by transposition of the soft tissue. Between 2005 and 2011, the technique currently described was performed in 19 patients. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative standardized photographs were taken, and measurements were done on postoperative first week, first month, and first year. The measurements include ear height at 3 different horizontal planes as follows: (1) the most cranial point of the ear, (2) the middle point of the ear, and (3) the most caudal point of the ear. The angle between the vertical plane of the head and the ear was measured at these previously defined 3 points. These measurements were used for indication and preoperative planning. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values (P < 0.05). The postoperative first year results indicated the effectiveness of this alternative technique for the long-term maintenance of the position of the lobule.