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Treatment of Ectopic Earlobe in Microtia Reconstruction Using Delayed Postauricular Skin Flap
Wei Ding1, Bo Zhang1, Zihan Wu2
1Department of Plastic & Laser Cosmetology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital & The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Objective:
This article discusses a treatment technique for ectopic earlobe in microtia reconstruction using a delayed postauricular skin flap.
Methods:
From January 2015 to September 2018, microtia reconstruction using a delayed postauricular skin flap was performed on 10 patients with microtia. During the operation, the position of the affected-side earlobe was designed according to the position of the opposite side. The ectopic earlobe was corrected by performing asymmetric Z-plasty or using an irregular "Y-V" advancement skin flap. This allowed full use of the remnant tissue of the microtia-affected ear to form a soft, plump, and realistic earlobe.
Results:
After the earlobe displacement surgery, the blood supply of the earlobe was good, and the reconstructed earlobe survived well without ulceration in all 10 patients. All patients were followed up for 2 months to 2 years. During this time, the positions of the reconstructed ear and the healthy side were basically symmetrical, and the shape of the earlobe formed by the remnant ear was natural.
Conclusion:
The use of asymmetric Z-plasty or an irregular "Y-V" advancement skin flap for the treatment of ectopic earlobe in microtia reconstruction using a delayed postauricular skin flap is a safe and effective method.
