A 2-stage ear reconstruction for microtia.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce our 2-stage reconstruction of microtia method, which results in a natural-looking contour of the reconstructed ears, one of the most demanding challenges in facial plastic surgery.

METHODS: In the first stage, the 3-dimensional cartilage framework is fabricated. The skin flap and retroauricular fascial flap are elevated in the mastoid area. Then the framework is wrapped by the fascial flap from behind and covered by the skin flap from front. In the second stage the crus, the tragus, and the conchal cavity are reconstructed. So almost all of the fine structures of ear are reconstructed.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients ranging in age from 5 to 17 years had their ears reconstructed using our 2-stage method from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2008. Forty-eight patients were boys, and 20 were girls. Unilateral microtia was present in 66 patients and bilateral microtia was present in 2 patients. The reconstructed ears had a 3-dimensional configuration, and the cranioauricular angle of the reconstructed ears was similar to that of the contralateral ear.

CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage ear reconstruction is a simple and promising method for microtia. Furthermore, the complications are rare.