ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cryptotia is a congenital deformity in which the upper third of the auricle is buried under the temporal skin. It is rare in Caucasians, yet it is more common in Asians. Although a variety of methods to treat cryptotia have been introduced, there is still no acceptable single procedure that can successfully manage this deformity in its entity. We present a triangular V-Y advancement flap and rhomboid flap for correcting cryptotia that can overcome the diverse shortcomings of the conventional methods. METHODS: This operative method was used to correct 18 auricles in patients ranging in age from 4 to 33 years. A triangular flap was prepared over the auricle by making a skin incision according to Ohmori's method. Then a rhomboid flap with a side length of about 8 to 10 mm that sets the lower portion as a pedicle in the anterior region was prepared to supplement the contracted portion of the helix. The cartilage deformity was corrected by the banner flap or the radiating cartilage incisions with cartilage graft or high density polyethylene graft. RESULTS: We have treated 16 patients with severe cryptotia using this method and have obtained good aesthetic results. All cases showed widened scaphoid fossa and smooth triangular fossa of antihelix. There were no major postoperative complications, such as necrosis or infection of the flaps. CONCLUSION: Correction of cryptotia using the triangular V-Y advancement flap and rhomboid flap is useful a method for certain conditions, when a severe contraction of the helix is present.