title: The Postauricular Helix-based Adipodermal-pedicle Turnover (PHAT) Flap: An Original Single-Stage Technique for Antihelix and Scapha Reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In reconstructing anterior defects of the ear, postauricular flaps represent a popular option. The pedicle of such transauricular flaps can be superior, inferior, medial, or lateral. The postauricular helix-based adipodermal-pedicle turnover (PHAT) flap is an original single-stage transauricular technique for defects of the antihelix and scapha. Its skin paddle is on the posterior aspect of the ear. Its lateral de-epithelialized pedicle in front of the helix allows for it to easily reach peripheral anterior defects. In cases in which the underlying cartilage is involved, the extended PHAT (ePHAT) flap allows for restoring the contours of the ear without a cartilage graft.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2009 and 2011, a PHAT flap was used in 5 cases of defects of the antihelix or the scapha after tumor resection, 3 of which are in an extended version (ePHAT flap).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no complications and a satisfactory aesthetic result was achieved in all cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PHAT flap is an original single-stage procedure for anterior auricular defects located on the antihelix or scapha. The single-layer PHAT flap is indicated in purely skin defect. The triple-layer ePHAT flap includes two subcutaneous extensions which increase its thickness and is indicated to restore the ear contours when cartilage has been removed.
authors.affiliation: From the *Department of Plastic Surgery, Valais Hospital, Sierre, Switzerland; and †Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK.
authors.forename: Matthieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beustes-Stefanelli
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schertenleib
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D015331:Cohort Studies; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology