Experience with the malleable ear dressing, a versatile silicone-lined bandage for the auricle

The repair of surgical wounds of the external ear--whether it be a primary skin closure, a skin flap, or a skin graft--presents several challenges with respect to healing. One of these challenges is that it is not easy to fashion a wound dressing that has a smooth, moisture-containing surface, conforms to the shape of the auricle, and adheres to it while providing light pressure. An ear dressing that features these characteristics--the malleable ear dressing--is expected to become commercially available soon. In this article, the author describes his use of this dressing in 48 patients and reviews the results of follow-up questioning of 20 of these patients. Based on these findings, the author concludes that this dressing is effective, comfortable, aesthetically acceptable, and can be worn continuously for 7 consecutive days without complications.