In an effort to avoid some common undesirable consequences of surgical techniques for repairing earlobe clefts, such as notch formation and cosmetic deformities, the authors describe a minimally invasive technique for repairing a complete earlobe cleft. A single simple suture was followed by 90% trichloroacetic acid applications to transform a complete earlobe cleft into an incomplete cleft. Due to its ease of execution, low cost and good functional results, this technique is a good option for repairing complete earlobe clefts.

Keywords: EAR, EAR DEFORMITIES, ACQUIRED, COSMETIC TECHNIQUES

Introduction: Facial paralysis triggers asymmetries and other functional and aesthetic facial changes, which lead to significant physical and psychological disorders. Botulinum toxin type A is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated therapy, making it a good option for treating those conditions. Objective: To demonstrate the clinical improvement and the degree of satisfaction among patients bearing facial asymmetries and dyskinesias, who have been treated with botulinum toxin type A injections performed by dermatologists. Methods: Patients with facial asymmetries and dyskinesias were selected between January 2011 and December 2013, to receive botulinum toxin injections aimed at reducing muscle activity on the normal side of the face (in cases of facial hemiparesis) or directly into the affected muscles in cases of dyskinesias. The clinical evaluations and photographic records in static and dynamic positions were carried out on the days of the first application (D0) and fifteen days after (D15). Each patient was rescheduled for a future session within120 days. Results: There was clinical improvement with reduction of asymmetries and dyskinesias verified at the beginning of treatment following application of the toxin. A significant improvement in the patients' quality of life, with a positive impact in different areas of their personal lives, could be noticed. Conclusions: Treatment with botulinum toxin type A, performed by dermatologists with previous experience in the management of this procedure in other conditions, proved to be an important alternative in the treatment of asymmetries and facial dyskinesias.

Keywords: FACIAL ASYMMETRY; FACIAL PARALYSIS; QUALITY OF LIFE; BOTULINUM TOXINS, TYPE A.