Congenital Cleft Earlobe: Classification and Surgical Techniques with a Scoping Review of the Literature

Young Joon Jun ¹, Yeong Jun Park ², Mi Ra Kim ²

⁰Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University College of Medicine, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Clinical Medicine +

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January 10, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces a new classification for congenital cleft earlobes and demonstrates a successful reconstruction using a local flap technique. The findings offer improved methods for correcting this rare ear deformity.

Area Of Science

Plastic Surgery
Otolaryngology
Congenital Deformities

Background

Congenital cleft earlobes represent a rare congenital anomaly with diverse presentations.
Existing classification systems and reconstructive techniques lack standardization.

Purpose Of The Study

To present a case of successful reconstruction for a defective-type cleft earlobe.
To develop a unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes.
To review and synthesize corrective surgical methods based on earlobe subtype.

Main Methods

A scoping review of 14 articles identified through PubMed searches using terms 'ear deformity' and 'cleft earlobe'.
Analysis of existing literature to establish a classification and identify reconstructive techniques.
Surgical reconstruction of a pediatric case using a local flap technique.

Main Results

A simple local flap technique proved effective for reconstructing a moderate to severe defective-type cleft earlobe.
A unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes, comprising four subtypes (defective, simple, tag with/without hypoplasia, triple lobe), was synthesized.
Various reconstructive options, including suture, Z-plasty, Y-V advancement, and flap procedures, were correlated with specific earlobe subtypes.

Conclusions

A novel, unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes based on external appearance is proposed.
Reconstructive techniques should be tailored to the specific subtype of cleft earlobe for optimal outcomes.
The presented local flap technique offers a viable option for defective-type cleft earlobe reconstruction.

Keywords:

classification cleft earlobe congenital corrective method ear deformity