Auricular Lobule

Abstract

The absence of the lobule, which requires its reconstruction, has three origins: congenital, acquired, and secondary to tumor resection.

Reconstruction of the auricular lobule is a constant challenge whithin the field of ear reconstruction because of postoperative scar retraction, which may damage the shape and size when only the skin flaps are performed. Because of this circumstance, it is very useful to insert cartilage graft between the cutaneous flaps to achieve a permanent surgical result. For reconstruction of the lobule for anotia and total traumatic amputation of the ear, it is a mandatory procedure to excavate the ear lobule for the same block of rib cartilage of the new auricular framework. On the other hand, when a patient presents with an excess of cutaneous flaps on an aging face, it is possible to reconstruct the ear lobule without a cartilage graft. In certain cases secondary to tumor resection, patients may present with redundant skin on neighboring regions which can be used only with the skin flap folded over itself. In such circumstances cutaneous undermining is done following the principles of face lifting surgery. Therefore, there is no risk of damage to the reconstructed ear lobule postoperatively because it has minimal scar retraction and contraction.