Lying ear deformity: Personalized fabricated synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene retroauricular prosthesis as an alternative for its correction.

[BACKGROUND] The correction of lying ear is a surgical procedure that can enhance facial aesthetics. In Asian culture, prominent ears are often associated with wealth, and ear protrusion surgery is frequently requested to achieve a slimmer facial appearance. Little research has been performed on the methods of lying ear correction. The objective of this study was to present a new corrective method for lying ear using implantation of personalized fabricated synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prostheses.

[METHODS] From December 2019 to October 2022, 30 patients (60 ears) were diagnosed with lying ear and corrected by implanting personalized fabricated synthetic ePTFE prostheses. The preoperative design utilized 3D technology to acquire precise surgical measurements. Ear anthropometric measurements, aesthetic assessment, and satisfaction evaluation were utilized to assess the surgical outcome.

[RESULTS] Correction of lying ear deformity enhanced the prominence of the auricle and ensured stable upper and middle support of the auricle. One-year follow-up data demonstrated the stability and symmetry of the personalized prosthesis implants in correcting lying ear with no impact on the length and width of the patient's auricle. The postoperative aesthetic evaluation showed that 93.3% (28/30) of the patients achieved excellent or good results. The surgical effect was deemed satisfactory by 96.6% (29/30) of the patients. The ePTFE prostheses demonstrated no displacement, infection, or hematoma. The absence of relapse was observed in all patients.

[CONCLUSIONS] This method of implanting personalized fabricated synthetic ePTFE prosthesis offers effective and stable clinical outcomes for the correction of lying ear deformity.