The Long-term Results of Earfold Implantable Clip for the Correction of Protruding Ears: A Plastic Surgeon's Experience with an Initial 19 Cases.

Abstract

Objectives: This article reports the long-term results of the minimally invasive Earfold™ device.

Methods: Between May 2017 and January 2021, 19 patients (7 men and 12 women) received an Earfold™ implant. Fifteen patients had bilateral implants placed, and among them, 2 received 2 implants per ear. In 4 cases, placement was limited to one ear. In one patient, a concurrent earlobe correction was performed.

Results: Of the 22 patients assessed with Prefold™, 19 chose for this option instead of surgical otoplasty, 2 chose not to undergo any surgery, and one was not found fit for the procedure by the surgeon. Six patients suffered from a complication and had their implants removed. One additional patient requested to have his implants removed as well.

Conclusions: The Earfold™ implant is a promising, minimally invasive alternative for standard otoplasty treatment. Nevertheless, in our series, a notable high complication rate was observed, often necessitating implant removal, particularly in the long term. Despite recognizing a learning curve, the surgeon in this study chose to discontinue the use of Earfold™ implants.