Retroauricular Island Flap as an Innovation for Microtia Ear Reconstruction

Abstract

The use of a local island flap, designed with retroauricular skin, is an excellent, simple, and reproducible innovation to the classic microtia ear reconstruction, allowing adequate coverage of the cartilage framework, specifically of the conchal area, sparing tense skin closure, reducing skin suffering and necrosis, with a better aesthetic result achieving the naturally depressed concha aspect. The flap design and surgical technique is described. This flap was used in 13 consecutive microtia ear reconstructions in our unit, no complications were encountered, and aesthetic results were excellent.