Pursuit of Pinna Perfection: Otoplastic Reconstruction for Contemporary Conundrums

Saturday, October 11, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

Location: 137

Disclosure(s):

C.W. David Chang, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Anas A. Eid, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Alexis M. Strohl-Bryan, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Otoplastic procedures require customized approaches to address a wide range of anatomical challenges due to the intricate and unique shape of the native pinna. Some defects from trauma and cancer—partial amputations, near-total defects, and cauliflower ear—can often be very challenging, Other “21st-century” defects—aesthetic demands posed by “pixie” ear, gauge-earring deformities, and neonatal management or prominent ears—require the application of new aesthetic techniques to new conundrums. Using case studies, this course will present a variety of reconstructive techniques that have proven useful in restoring various defects of the external ear. Panelists will debate philosophy and strategies, candidly sharing successes and failures. Techniques will include the spectrum of skin grafts, auricular cartilage grafts, costal cartilage grafts, local and regional flaps, and reshaping of the auricular cartilage. The goal is to expand the understanding of otoplastic surgery beyond the conventional, equipping the surgeon with tools for practice and offering patient-specific solutions.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Select local flap and tissue rearrangement options for repair of defects.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Determining the need for cartilage grafts in the reconstructive armamentarium.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Understand newer aesthetic challenges and subsequent refinement options to optimize outcomes.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: In addition to traditional defects (Mohs/trauma), patients may also present with newer "21st-century" aesthetic challenges to the otolaryngologist (gauge-earring, neonatal molding). Surgeons need to be aware of these trends and understand treatment options.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

C.W. David Chang, MD

Professor
University of Missouri, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
Columbia, MO, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Anas A. Eid, MD

Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
LH

Laura T. Hetzler, MD, MBA

Professor
Louisiana State University New Orleans
Baton Rouge, LA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Alexis M. Strohl-Bryan, MD

Associate Professor
University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
Rochester, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.