title: Ear lobule reconstruction using nasal septal cartilage.
abstract: Surgical reconstruction of an earlobe requires adequate support without sacrificing the delicacy necessary for an attractive result. A two-stage ear lobule reconstruction using a mastoid skin pocket and cartilage from the nasal septum was performed in six patients. The earlobe aesthetics were acceptable and allowed ear piercing. There were no major complications, including no loss of flap, graft extrusion, septal perforation, or infection. Range of follow-up was 1 to 6 years, with an average of 3 years. No revisions have been performed. A two-stage technique for ear lobule reconstruction is described using septal cartilage to preserve shape and definition that has the additional advantage of minimal morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Great Neck and New York, N.Y. From private practice and New York University, Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bastidas
authors.forename: Jordan M S
authors.initials: JMS
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Charles H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Thorne
mesh_terms: D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
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