A Novel Method for Correction of the Hypoplastic Pixie Earlobe Deformity: V-Y Advancement Flap and Dermofat Graft.

Abstract

Pixie ear deformity is a condition in which the inferior edge of the helix of the ear is attached to the cheek without a convolutional notch at the ear lobule-cheek junction. Numerous surgical techniques have been proposed to correct pixie earlobe deformities. However, several of these techniques result in anterior or inferior scars of the ear lobules or dog-ear deformities. Such visible scarring detracts from the esthetics of the ear lobule.We report a novel method for the correction of pixie ear deformities in patients with small ear lobules. A hypoplastic ear lobule was expanded by a V-Y advancement flap designed on the posterior aspect of the ear lobule, and a dermofat graft was placed in the subcutaneous layer under the advanced flap. As a result, the pixie ear lobe deformity was camouflaged by the expanded ear lobule. Moreover, no scars appeared on the anterior or inferior sides of the ear lobule, and a natural appearance of the ear lobe was achieved.We conclude that this method is a feasible alternative surgical option for hypoplastic pixie ear lobe deformities to avoid visible scarring in the anterior or inferior aspects of the ear lobe.