Effectiveness and Safety of Non-Surgical Otoplasty Using APTOS Threads: A Retrospective Study.
Summary
Among 250 patients (500 ears, age 7–67), EAR-Q domains improved significantly at 1 month and 1 year (p<0.001). GAIS indicated exceptional/very good results in 90% at 1 month and 87% at 1 year. Adverse effects were minimal, with no hematoma, infection, or scarring; pain/numbness resolved by 1 year.
Key Findings
- EAR-Q Appearance, Appearance Distress, and Psychological/Social Function scores improved significantly from baseline to 1 month and 1 year (p<0.001).
- GAIS ratings showed exceptional/very good outcomes in 90% at 1 month and 87% at 1 year.
- No hematoma, infection, or scarring was reported; transient pain and numbness resolved by 1 year.
- Procedure was effective under local anesthesia across a wide age range, including 41 patients under 18.
Clinical Implications
Thread-based otoplasty can be offered to appropriately selected patients seeking reduced downtime and natural contours; standardized protocols and training may optimize outcomes.
Why It Matters
Demonstrates a minimally invasive, clinic-based alternative to surgical otoplasty with high satisfaction and low complications across a large series and 1-year follow-up.
Limitations
- Retrospective design without a control or surgical comparator; potential selection and reporting bias.
- Single-center experience may limit generalizability and operator-dependent outcomes.
Future Directions
Prospective multicenter comparisons versus surgical otoplasty, durability beyond 1 year, cost-utility analyses, and stratified outcomes by deformity type and age.
Study Information
- Study Type
- Case series
- Research Domain
- Treatment
- Evidence Level
- IV - Retrospective single-center case series using validated patient-reported outcome measures.
- Study Design
- OTHER