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Surgical Design and Algorithm for Correction of Earlobe Ptosis and Pseudoptosis Deformity

A previously described classification system for earlobe ptosis and criterion for earlobe pseudoptosis deformity was based on height measurements of the two earlobe components: the free caudal segment and the attached cephalic segment. The “ideal” ear lobule free caudal segment was found to be between 1 and 5 mm (grade I ptosis), and the “ideal” attached cephalic segment was 15 mm or less. Earlobe pseudoptosis was defined by an attached cephalic segment measuring greater than 15 mm. Previous studies revealed an association between the elongated free caudal segment and increasing patient age and between the elongated attached cephalic segment and rhytidectomy. Sixteen fresh cadaver earlobes were used to design surgical patterns that would differentially reduce the free caudal segment, the attached cephalic segment, or both. A horizontal, medially based triangular excision pattern was designed. Triangular excisions limited to the attached cephalic segment resulted in 98 ± 5 percent reduction of excision height from the attached cephalic segment but also resulted in an unexpected 32 ± 2 percent augmentation of the excision height in the free caudal segment. Triangular excisions limited to the free caudal segment resulted in 88 ± 4 percent reduction of the excision height from the free caudal segment and negligible reduction of 4 ± 4 percent of excision height in the cephalic attached segment. An algorithm for correction of earlobe ptosis and pseudoptosis was subsequently derived and implemented in a clinical case. The authors propose that surgical treatment of patients with pseudoptosis be dependent on the ptosis grade. If the ptosis is grade I (1 to 5 mm), then excision of only the attached cephalic segment is recommended. If the ptosis is grade II or higher (more than 5 mm), then a combined attached cephalic and free caudal segment excision is recommended. In cases of isolated ptosis grade II or higher without pseudoptosis, then excision location of only the free caudal segment is recommended. The above simple algorithm and surgical designs will enable plastic surgeons to differentially correct earlobe ptosis and pseudoptosis.