Reconstruction of the retroauricular fold: a personal technique

In auricular reconstruction emphasis is placed on carving the rib-cartilage framework. The three-dimensional frame is very important in obtaining a good anatomical shape but often a good shape is not complemented by a good projection of the auricle. In order to avoid obliteration of the retroauricular fold we use a cartilage wedge covered by a local fascial flap. We have treated 17 ears in 16 patients with this technique and have obtained satisfactory results in all cases, achieving a mean projection of 1.7 cm between the mastoid plane and the helical rim. (C) 2001 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.