Reconstruction of the external ear utilizing expanded scarred skin flap.

Author: Qinghua YANG ¹ ; Hongxing ZHUANG ; Jialin LUO ; Juan HAN ; Yanyong ZHAO
Author Information

1. Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100041, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Ear, External; surgery; Female; Humans; Male; Rhinoplasty; Surgical Flaps; Tissue Expansion
From: Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2002;18(3):179-180
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of ear reconstruction using local expanded scarred skin flap.
METHODWe used local postauricular expanded scar skin flaps to reconstruct external ear in 24 patients.
RESULTSOf these cases, 22 flaps survived completely. In 2 patients, the cartilage framework exposed over the upper pole of helix region because of undue tension in suturing the tissue edges. One year's follow-up revealed satisfactory results.
CONCLUSIONUsing the expanded scarred skin flap for ear reconstruction is practical and effective, when there's no normal skin available in the local area.