Reconstruction of microtia. Pursuing a natural appearance.
We have designed a "contour-accentuated" auricular framework in which the depth and height of the relief of the contours have been exaggerated to improve the illusion of three-dimensional topography. In one technique, the "full framework," a large amount of supplemental skin coverage is needed, and this is provided by a superficial temporal artery flap surfaced with postauricular skin and groin skin. In the second type, the "low-profile framework," the supplemental skin graft requirement is less and is provided by local subcutaneous tissue flaps in the conchal-tragal area. These are surfaced with postauricular skin. These steps have improved our ability to provide a three-dimensional quality to ear reconstruction in microtia.
Nakai
H
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Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000601:surgery; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods