An improved one-stage total ear reconstruction procedure.

Based on anatomic studies of the postauricular cutaneous circulation, a modified single-stage total ear reconstruction procedure has been presented. The operation consists of using a large, superthin, well-vascularized, and well-innervated skin flap to cover the anterior surface of the auricular framework carved from costal cartilage, the posterior surface of which is covered by a subcutaneous tissue flap and then skin grafted. Improvements in the makeup and carving of the framework have been made and described. This method has been used to treat 15 cases of anotia, all with satisfactory results.