LASER MECHANICAL AND ELECTROMECHANICAL RESHAPING OF EAR CARTILAGE

Abstract

Background
The quest for minimally invasive surgery has been eternal in the field of cosmetology. Deformed ear
cartilage is the cosmetic challenge for plastic and reconstructive surgery, as any disfigurement is not
socially acceptable. Hence, laser-based reshaping and electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage have
come been seen as a panacea.
Methodology
A MEDLINE and PUBMED literature search was performed on laser-based procedures to reshape ear
cartilage and electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage combined with cross‐referencing. The period
of the search was 1993 to 2021.
Result
For laser-based procedures, several clinical studies using three different wavelengths were analyzed
during the search in the literature: 1,064 nm (Nd: YAG), 10,600 nm (CO2), and 1540 nm (Er: Glass).
Clinical outcomes, laser wavelength, and parameters, and patient satisfaction are discussed in each
case. For electromechanical reshaping, available clinical studies using different voltage strengths and
time applications were analyzed during the search in the literature. Studies varied in terms of a
specimen and the voltage and duration of applicability.
Conclusion
Laser-based procedures and electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage provide alternative treatment
options to rectify auricular cartilaginous deformities. Both are minimally invasive procedures and holds
a good promise in the future.