Mastoid fascia kite flap for cryptotia correction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Cryptotia is a frequent upper auricle malformation with significant aesthetic and functional impacts.
• Currently, no standardized treatment exists for cryptotia, necessitating innovative surgical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the surgical technique and evaluate the outcomes of a mastoid fascia kite flap for correcting cryptotia.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of the kite flap procedure across different cryptotia subtypes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of six patients (seven ears) treated with a mastoid fascia kite flap between 2010 and 2015.
• The technique involves a retro-auricular incision, creation of a superiorly and posteriorly based mastoid fascia flap, and rotation to form the superior auricle sulcus.

Main Results:

• The study included six patients with a mean age of 12 years; one had bilateral cryptotia.
• Mean follow-up was 45 months, with no reported cases of skin necrosis, complications, or need for revision surgery.
• The kite flap provided good projection of the helix and concealed scarring.

Conclusions:

• The mastoid fascia kite flap is a reliable and effective surgical technique for cryptotia correction.
• The procedure offers improved aesthetic results due to helix projection and hidden scars.
• The technique allows for harmonious medialization of the earlobe and inferior auricle.