Island skin flap supplied by superficial temporal vessel for the whole ear lobe defect / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce a new method for reconstruction of the whole ear lobe defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The free island skin flap supplied by superficial temporal vessel which was designed at the area anterior and superior to crus helicis. The flap was transferred through subcutaneous tunnel and self-folded to reconstruct the whole ear lobe defect.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Since 1999, 6 cases were treated with no complication. The ear lobe shape and skin colour were very natural.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The island skin flap supplied by superficial temporal vessel is very suitable for the whole ear lobe defect with good cosmetic results.</p>