Surgery of the Auricle

Abstract

Auricular reconstruction is a unique area of facial plastic surgery where a wide array of reconstructive options often must be considered. The external ear is unique in its aesthetic role where the normal auricle often goes unnoticed; yet even a small irregularity can stand out and become conspicuous. The reconstruction of large or total auricular defects is a combination of science and art. Two forms of auricular reconstruction are discussed: (1) those for a congenitally abnormal shape but no acquired tissue deficiency, that is, otoplasty, and (2) repairs requiring a reconstruction of discrete loss of tissue. A general algorithm is presented that can assist with flap selection and covers the techniques for grafts, framework repair, local and pedicled flaps, temporoparietal facial flaps, and auricular prostheses.

Bone-anchored titanium implants for auricular rehabilitation: case report and review of literature

“…1 Auricular reconstruction is a challenging task for surgeons since it is a field of facial plastic surgery in which a wide array of reconstructive options often must be considered. 2 Surgical procedures to reconstruct these defects may sometimes even be hampered by vascular compromise due to surgical bed irradiation, the physical condition of a patient when multiple surgical procedures are required and patients' esthetic expectations regarding what can be achieved by reconstructive surgical procedures. 3 The amount of soft tissue and cartilaginous or osseous support available is sometimes insufficient for a reconstruction that is functional and esthetic.…”

Anteriorly Pedicled Retroauricular Flap for Repair of Auricular Defects

“…As a result of this technique, the position, shape, and size of the external ear are affected as little as possible, which is necessary for a cosmetically appealing outcome. However, there are some visible color and surface differences, as with all retroauricular flaps [11]. Apart from this, the retroauricular skin of the head is much thicker than the skin of the ear, which is why the three-dimensional tissue structure is changed.…”

“…This one-stage reconstruction is recommended for defects following wedge or rear excision, with a diameter of up to 1 cm, and also in cases of patient multimorbidity [11,15].…”

“…Many single-stage and multistage treatment methods are available for restoring the helical ear [1,[4][5][6][7][8]. Defects can be covered by a simple reduction procedure or with local flaps with or without cartilage grafts [9][10][11][12][13]. With flap-based reconstructive procedures, retroauricular skin is frequently used, preferably for its known advantages [1,2,5,7,11].…”

“…Defects can be covered by a simple reduction procedure or with local flaps with or without cartilage grafts [9][10][11][12][13]. With flap-based reconstructive procedures, retroauricular skin is frequently used, preferably for its known advantages [1,2,5,7,11]. The posterior pedicled retroauricular flap is one of these retroauricular skin-using techniques.…”