Summary
We describe here a technique for reconstruction of the external ear based upon an autogenous costal cartilage graft which is inserted into a cutaneous pocket dissected in the auricular area. Three subsequent procedures are then performed: rotation of the ear-lobe; reconstruction of the tragus; and elevation of the auricle. The ideal age for reconstruction is about 7 years. This technique was originally described by Brent, who has a very extensive experience with this kind of surgery. Skin deficiencies can be overcome by using either a temporo-parietal fascial flap or a skin expander.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Avelar JM, Psillakis JM (1981) Microtia: total reconstruction of the auricle in one single operation. Br J Plast Surg 34:224–227
Boudard P (1985) Les techniques chirurgicales de reconstruction du pavillon de l' oreille dans les agénésies majeures: mise au point d'un protocole thérapeutique. Thèse Médecine Bordeaux no. 333
Boudard P, Portmann M (1987) Technique chirurgicale de reconstruction totale du pavillon de l'oreille dans les cas d'agénésie majeure: utilisation d'un greffon cartilagineux costal. Rev Laryngol 108:507–513
Brent B (1974) Ear reconstruction with an expansile framework of autogenous rib cartilage. Plast Reconstr Surg 53:619–628
Brent B (1980) The correction of microtia with autogenous cartilage graft I. classic deformity. Plast Reconstr Surg 66:1–12
Brent B (1980) The correction of microtia with autogenous cartilage graft II. Atypical and complex deformities. Plast Reconstr Surg 66:13–21
Brent B (1980) Reconstruction of the ear. In: Grabb WC, Smith JW (eds) Plastic surgery, 3rd edn. Little Brown, Boston
Brent B (1981) A personal approach to total auricular construction. Clin Plast Surg 8:211–221
Brent B, Byrd HS (1983) Secondary ear reconstruction with cartilage grafts covered by axial, random and free flaps of temporo-parietal fascia. Plast Reconstr Surg 72:141–152
Converse JM (1963) Construction of the auricle in congenital microtia. Plast Reconstr Surg 32:425–429
Le Grignou P (1982) Agénésie de l'oreille: étude statistique sur 150 cas opérés. Analyses et commentaires. Thèse, Bordeaux no. 41
Manach Y, Perrin A, Griscelli AL, Florant A, Jaulin JF, Roulleau P (1987) La chirurgie fonctionnelle de l'aplasie majeure de l'oreille: à propos de 109 patients. Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac 104:607–614
Manach Y, Perrin A, Depondt J, Hamann C (1987) La chirurgie plastique des aplasies du pavillon à propos de 65 cas. Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac 104:599–605
Portmann M, Bebear JP, Le Grignou P (1983) Les agénésies de l'oreille: étude analytique. Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac 100:403–407
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Boudard, P., Benassayag, C., Dhillon, R.S. et al. Aesthetic surgery for microtia. Arch Otorhinolaryngol 246, 349–352 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00463592
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00463592