title: The utility of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) for auricular reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) are a common repair option on the external ear, but there are few large case series examining graft sublocations, dimensions, and outcomes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to report our experience with FTSGs for repair of postsurgical defects of the external ear.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective review of all FTSGs on the ear performed by 2 surgeons (J. C., 2000-2014; B. C. L., 2007-2014) after clearance by Mohs micrographic surgery at a single institution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1519 FTSGs on the ear were performed between June 2000 and March 2014. The most common sublocations were the superior helix (38.8%), the crura of the antihelix or scapha (18.9%), and the back of ear/back of helix (15.4%). The overall complication rate was 1.6%, and the most common complication was graft failure (1.2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data were collected retrospectively from a single institution. Follow-up beyond 3 months was limited. A standardized assessment tool for aesthetic outcomes was not performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By taking advantage of predictable "pincushioning" and combining with local flaps or cartilage grafts, FTSGs can provide more volumetric replacement than previously described. They reliably preserve the height and complex topography of the ear with a low complication rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: joshua.trufant@jefferson.edu.
authors.forename: Joshua W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Trufant
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marzolf
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Brian C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Leach
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cook
mesh_terms: D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000601:surgery*; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008488:Medical Illustration; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D010781:Photography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects
keywords: Mohs micrographic surgery; anatomic location; composite graft; external ear; full-thickness skin graft; nonmelanoma skin cancer