How is cryptogenic ear deformity treated?

Cryptorchidism, also known as pouch ear or buried ear, is a condition in which the cartilage in the upper part of the auricle is buried under the scalp and the cranial sulcus above it becomes shallow or disappears. The shape of the auricle is basically normal after the auricle is pulled up from the scalp by hand, but returns to the pathological state after release. It affects the wearing of glasses, and water may flow into the ear canal when showering. Cryptorchidism should be treated after the age of 4. Because the development of the auricle is basically perfect around the age of 4, premature surgery forms scar tissue and may affect the development of the auricular cartilage, so we recommend that corrective surgery for cryptogenic ear deformity or any other auricular deformity should be performed after the age of 4. The main purpose of the surgery is to release the auricular cartilage from the scalp and to correct the deformity of the auricular cartilage. The most common surgical methods are V-Y flap advancement surgery or W reshaping surgery. If there is not enough skin, a skin graft is needed to cover the wound left after lifting the cartilage. However, the most classic procedure is the V-Y flap advancement procedure, which is effective and minimizes damage, but requires skilled surgical technique. In conclusion, cryptorchidism is one of the easier auricular deformities to correct. The cranial sulcus must be deepened to facilitate the wearing of glasses, and secondly, the auricular cartilage deformity must be corrected at the same time to reveal the normal auricular shape.