Ear Reconstruction and Otoplasty — Microtia, Prominent Ear, and Auricular Framework Design

This episode reviews the core principles of ear reconstruction and otoplasty, focusing on auricular embryology, aesthetic anatomy, prominent ear correction, and microtia reconstruction.Topics include the hillocks of His, first and second branchial arch contributions, conductive hearing loss in microtia, and key aesthetic rules for ear position, projection, and proportion. The episode also covers prominent ear deformity, including antihelical fold effacement, conchal excess, increased conchoscaphal angle, and prevention of the classic telephone ear deformity.Surgical strategies are reviewed, including Mustardé sutures, Furnas conchal setback, cartilage scoring, lobular correction, neonatal ear molding, and principles of timing in pediatric otoplasty.Microtia reconstruction is discussed through the Tanzer and Nagata classification systems, with comparison of Brent’s four-stage technique and Nagata’s two-stage costal cartilage reconstruction. Additional topics include framework placement, auricular rectangle positioning, TPF flap coverage, scalp skin grafting, Medpor reconstruction, prosthetic options, and auricular cartilage donor-site management.Part of Dr. Lara’s Plastic Surgery Compendium — a high-yield audio reference for plastic surgery trainees and surgeons.DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing healthcare professionals. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any individual patient. The content presented reflects general surgical principles and should not be used as a substitute for formal medical training, clinical judgment, or consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician–patient relationship.SEO / Topic Keywordsear reconstruction, otoplasty, microtia reconstruction, prominent ear correction, auricular embryology, hillocks of His, Mustardé sutures, Furnas technique, telephone ear deformity, neonatal ear molding, Tanzer classification, Nagata classification, Brent technique, costal cartilage framework, temporoparietal fascia flap, Medpor ear reconstruction, auricular cartilage graft