Négrevergne otoplasty technique.

Objectives: More than 200 different otoplasty procedures have been described in the literature to treat patients with prominent ears. However, no simple "best" technique exists.

Methods: The Négrevergne otoplasty technique was developed by Michel Négrevergne and adopted in the Georges Portmann Institute in France. The technique includes partial-thickness posterior scoring of the auricular cartilage by use of monopolar cutting diathermy.

Results: A telephone survey was designed solely for this study, aimed to give general information about the technique's outcomes. The survey, conducted by the first author among his patients who were followed up for more than 1 year, revealed that most patients (46 of 52) were very to completely satisfied with the appearance and symmetry of their ears. Furthermore, evaluation according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was performed by a blinded nonparticipating observer using the medical photographs of 48 patients who consented to "medical photography" to evaluate the effect of treatment. All patients were rated as "improved" or better on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale at 52 weeks. There were no ratings of "no change" or "worse."

Conclusions: The Négrevergne otoplasty technique is a relatively simple and rapid procedure that maintains the natural contours of the auricle with little morbidity by addressing the poorly developed or absent antihelical fold, an abnormally large concha, and a prominent lobule.