Post-traumatic ear reconstruction using postauricular fascial flap combined with expanded skin flap

Introduction: Post-traumatic ear reconstruction still remains a great challenge for plastic surgeons. In this article, we present the technique of post-traumatic ear reconstruction using a postauricular fascial flap combined with an expanded skin flap. Methods: From May 2007 to June 2009, 91 cases of post-traumatic ear defect were treated using a postauricular fascial flap combined with an expanded skin flap. Surgical procedure included postauricular-skin-flap expansion, removal of tissue expander, autogenous rib-cartilage-framework implantation, postauricular-fascial-flap lifting and split-thickness free-skin grafting. Results: With a follow-up duration of 6 months to 1 year, the described technique provided a nice final result, and the reconstructed ears showed good match in size, shape, colour and location to the contralateral normal ear. Conclusion: Post-traumatic ear reconstruction using a postauricular fascial flap combined with an expanded skin flap is an ideal approach with good final results. (C) 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.