Surgical Correction of Cryptotia with Double V-Y Advancement Technique

Cryptotia is a common auricular abnormality in Orientals. A variety of surgical techniques were reported for cryptotia correction. We observed that skin cords and connective tissues exist in the cranioauricular sulcus when traction is applied to the auricle. For restoring the contour of the upper pole of the auricle and releasing the skin cords in the cranioauricular sulcus, we applied the technique of double V-Y advancement flaps for correction of cryptotia.

The two consecutive V-Y advancement flap incisions were designed on the superior and posterosuperior parts of the auricle. The base side of the superior V was located directly above the buried cartilage of the cryptotia. The base side of the posterosuperior V located across the skin strip at the cranioauricular sulcus when the auricle was pulled forward. The double V-Y flaps were elevated separately at the level of superficial fascia. The connective fibrous tissues were dissected, and the cartilage were reshaped.

Fifteen cases of cryptotia patients were treated with double V-Y advancement technique. Most patients achieved from the surgical outcomes in terms of visible outline of the superior auricle, steady cranioauricular sulcus, and relative symmetry. No patient experienced severe postsurgical complications such as hematoma and flap necrosis.

Double V-Y advancement technique is applicable for Orientals. The main advantages of this technique are permanent maintenance of the superior auricular shape, sufficient skin coverage, and sufficient depth of cranioauricular sulcus.

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