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Repairs of the Ear

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Evidence-Based Procedural Dermatology

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Abstract

The external ear, or auricle, is a complex three-dimensional structure with an intricate topography that presents unique reconstructive challenges. Consideration of the anatomic, functional, and cosmetic requirements of the auricle facilitates effective surgical reconstruction. Repairs of the ear can be divided into four major categories that address these requirements in different ways: linear and wedge repairs, skin grafts, single-staged flaps, and multi-staged flaps. There is strong evidence to support the efficacy and safety of auricular reconstruction, and specific categories of repair are optimally suited to particular types of defects. However, with few exceptions, there is a paucity of high-level evidence that directly compares the outcomes of one repair type to another. This chapter provides an evidence-based review of each of the major categories of auricular reconstruction. As an alternative to reconstruction, healing by second intention can be a viable option for surgical defects of the ear, and long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes may be comparable to primary repair for appropriately selected defects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Section of Dermatologic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

    Sean R. Christensen

  2. Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

    Christopher R. Stamey

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  1. Sean R. Christensen
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  2. Christopher R. Stamey
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Correspondence to Sean R. Christensen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Murad Alam

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Christensen, S.R., Stamey, C.R. (2019). Repairs of the Ear. In: Alam, M. (eds) Evidence-Based Procedural Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02023-1_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02023-1_31

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