A Novel Method of Auricular Reconstruction

Seven male patients and 8 total ears underwent composite excision for neoplasm of the auricular helix. Defect size ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 cm exceeding the conventional limit of l.5 cm for wedge excision with primary closure. An incision at the root of the helix released the superior auricular muscle and a portion of the strong supporting anterior auricular tendon. An inferior incision allowed for the advancement of the lobule. The combined release permitted chondrocutaneous mobilization and closure without tension. The cupping deformity was avoided by trimming the concha in a wedge excision. Notching was eliminated with a step cut and close approximation on closure. The superior auriculocephalic sulcus was preserved by altering the fulcrum point of rotation.Ears were reconstructed with favorable esthetic outcome with over 1 year of follow-up in 5 of 7 patients. This technique represents an alternative method of single stage reconstruction of the auricular helix.