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Published on: January 11, 2016
Two-lobed advancement flap for cutaneous helical rim defects
Murad Alam1, Leonard H Goldberg
1Department of Dermatology, Section of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA. murad@alam.com
Summary
The two-lobed advancement flap effectively reconstructs ear helix defects. This technique offers a viable surgical option with minimal distortion and good blood supply for helical rim repair.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Bilobed flaps are transposition repairs, commonly used for nasal reconstruction, utilizing rotational tissue movement from lax areas.
- A variation, the two-lobed flap based on W-plasty, primarily uses tissue advancement for reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the two-lobed advancement flap for reconstructing defects of the ear's helical rim.
- To adapt a flap technique traditionally used in nasal surgery for auricular reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- The study involved designing and implementing helical two-lobed advancement flaps.
- These flaps were applied to repair small to medium-sized cutaneous helical rim defects.
Main Results:
- Successful reconstruction of the ear helix was achieved using the two-lobed advancement flaps.
- The procedure resulted in minimal distortion of ear architecture and cartilage.
- Adequate blood supply was maintained, ensuring flap viability.
Conclusions:
- The two-lobed advancement flap is a suitable method for aesthetic repair of cutaneous helical rim defects in selected ear cases.
- The flap, derived from the posterior auricular surface, provides a reliable reconstructive option.
