Reconstruction of the external ear utilizing expanded scarred skin flap / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of ear reconstruction using local expanded scarred skin flap.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>We used local postauricular expanded scar skin flaps to reconstruct external ear in 24 patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using the expanded scarred skin flap for ear reconstruction is practical and effective, when there's no normal skin available in the local area.</p>