Reconstruction of the Deformed Tragus Accompanied by Accessory Auricle

Accessory auricles are common congenital external ear malformations. However, it remains challenging to treat a complicated accessory auricle and reconstruct the involved tragus.

In this study the aim was to present a new classification of accessory auricles and the surgical management of each type.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 110 patients who underwent accessory auricle surgery. The accessory auricle was classified by 3 types, according to its morphology and relationship with the tragus: Types I, II, and III. The type III accessory auricle was divided into 3 subtypes: IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc. The surgical techniques utilized varied among the different types.

The total number of accessory auricles in 110 patients was 149. Type I was the most common type (52.3%), followed by types II (31.5%) and III (16.1%). Among the type III subtypes, type IIIa was observed in 12 (8.1%), type IIIb in 3 (2%), and type IIIc in 9 (6%) ears. None of the patients experienced short-term complications. Three patients (4 ears) showed mild hypertrophic scarring. Three patients (3 ears) showed a smaller tragus than the normal side. The average score for aesthetic outcomes was 3.7 points on a 4-point Likert scale.

Classification of accessory auricles provides guidance for surgery. Different surgical techniques were employed based on the type of accessory auricle. The final incision at the edge of the reconstructed tragus provided an aesthetically pleasing outcome.