Earlobe reconstruction using a chondrocutaneous flap.

Abstract

A postauricular chondrocutaneous flap including a postauricular artery was used in reconstructing congenital dysplasia of the earlobe. This flap had a safe and sufficient blood supply and had an excellent texture match. To reconstruct congenitally absent earlobes of two patients, a skin flap of the mastoid region and a chondrocutaneous flap that has a subcutaneous pedicle were used. To reconstruct congenital hypoplastic earlobe clefts of three patients, hinge flaps of two small earlobes and a transpositioned chondrocutaneous flap were used. The reconstructed earlobes had a thin, natural form, and deformity by contracture had not developed. The donor scar left by the flap was inconspicuous.