Posterior Auricle Bilobed Cartilage-skin Flap for Reconstructing the Earlobe: A Case Report

Abstract

Summary: Because the auricle plays an important role in facial aesthetics, all earlobe operations must seek to limit postoperative ear deformity. This report describes the single-stage posterior-auricle bilobed cartilage-skin flap technique for reconstructing the earlobe. A 31-year-old man incurred a left earlobe deficiency due to a human bite. Earlobe reconstruction was conducted 102 days later. A bilobed flap was designed on the posterior-auricular skin. Both flaps were pedicled in the caudal posterior-auricular area. The first incision raised the upper lobe, which consisted of posterior-auricle skin and conchal cartilage. The skin was sutured to the auricle base so that it formed the anterior earlobe. The cartilage was then cut to separate and processed to the natural curve. The second incision elevated the second flap from the caudal posterior-auricular area. This was sutured to the first flap so that it formed the posterior earlobe. The donor sites were closed with simple sutures. The reconstructed earlobe had no obvious contracture after surgery. Most donor-site scarring was hidden behind the auricle. At 9 months postoperative, the patient was satisfied with the result. Our technique allows us to harvest cartilage from the same operative field, perform a single-stage reconstruction, and recreate a relatively large earlobe with good size and shape. The posterior auricle bilobed cartilage-skin flap technique is useful for earlobe reconstruction.