1064‐nm N d: YAG laser‐assisted cartilage reshaping for treating ear protrusions

Background Correction of prominent ears is a common plastic surgical procedure. The laser‐assisted cartilage reshaping (LACR) technique for protruding ears was developed at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Lille, France, using both the 1064‐ and 1540‐nm wavelengths, with a view to simplifying the surgical procedure. Herein we report our results with the 1064‐nm wavelength. Methods Between 2008 and 2010, twenty‐six 1064‐nm LACR procedures in 14 patients were performed. Twelve patients received treatment to both ears, and 2 patients received treatment to one ear. Each procedure consisted of a single treatment session. The treatment consisted of laser irradiation of both sides of the helix with single pulses of 70 J/cm 2 . The beam diameter was 6 mm. Early and late complications were defined and reviewed for all patients. Satisfaction was assessed by patients using a visual analogue scale from 0 (unsatisfied) to 20 (highly satisfied). The superior and middle cephaloauricular distances were prospectively evaluated at 6 months after treatment. Results Complications included eight cases of localized skin burns and one case of dermatitis. The mean right/left superior and middle cephaloauricular distances were 10.5 ± 1.5 mm/10.7 ± 1.0 mm and 16.3 ± 2.2 mm/16.3 ± 2.8 mm, respectively, as compared to 17.5 ± 2.9 mm/18.6 ± 2.5 mm ( P  < 0.01) and 24.5 ± 2.6 mm/24.7 ± 1.7 mm ( P  < 0.01) before the operation. Mean patient satisfaction was 16.8/20 ± 3.3. Conclusion Despite promising results for cartilage reshaping, the 1064‐nm LACR procedure often leads to skin burns and inflammatory tissue reaction after treatment. Moreover, LACR with the 1064‐nm wavelength is painful and necessitates local anaesthesia. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope , 125:2461–2467, 2015