The postauricular cutaneous advancement flap for repairing ear rim defects

Abstract

Background: Due to the ear's complicated anatomy and closely adherent anterior skin, repairing ear rim defects is often difficult.

Objective: We describe a simple postauricular cutaneous advancement flap for correcting ear rim defects of varying sizes.

Methods: Skin tumors involving the ear rims of 12 patients were excised. A postauricular cutaneous advancement flap was designed to correct the resulting defects.

Results: The postauricular cutaneous advancement flap provided excellent cosmetic results in our 12 patients. Minimal superficial necrosis of the flap was observed in one patient.

Conclusion: Utilizing relatively loose postauricular skin, this postauricular advancement flap can cover helical rim defects of varying sizes with excellent cosmetic results and low complication rates.