title: Repairing a non-marginal full-thickness auricular defect using a reversed flap from the postauricular area.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Different methods for auricular reconstruction have been introduced over time. To minimize stress on the flap and offer an excellent wound control, the anterior pedicled retroauricular flap (APRF) was described in 2012. It offers an excellent alternative for reconstructing different parts of the ear helix. The authors also apply the APRF to repair centrally located perforating defects of the ear.
  
  
  METHODS
  The APRF was used to reconstruct nonhelical full-thickness defects of the auricle in 11 patients. The operations were performed under local anesthesia and in an ambulatory setting in 3 operative steps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The repair of full-thickness conchal defects was successfully performed in 11 patients, with good esthetic outcome, minimal donor site morbidity, and high patient satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An APRF from the postauricular area is a simple and effective method to reconstruct a full-thickness non-marginal auricular defect.
authors: Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: mheinz@ukaachen.de.
authors: Maria Barbara
authors: MB
authors: Heinz
authors: Head and Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Hölzle
authors: Consultant, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors: Alireza
authors: A
authors: Ghassemi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000601:surgery*; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000637:transplantation*; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome