Incisionless surgery using complex suture placement
(Fritsch 1995): See Fritsch in references.
Molding
During early infancy, the ear cartilage is more malleable and viscous and less elastic than it will later be (possibly related to maternal estrogen levels), so there is an opportunity to mold the ear (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Nonsurgical molding in early infancy (from Adamson 2011).
- Best results are seen for molding treatment begun within the first 3 days of life and continued until 6 months of age.
In adulthood, laser reshaping of the auricular cartilage followed by application of external conformers has been studied (Leclere, Lasers Surg Med, 2011).
- Patients wear conforming silicone elastomer molds for 4–6 weeks after in-office laser treatment.
- The entire system is currently marketed by Numenis as Cartilaze in the US.