title: Total earlobe reconstruction with a superiorly based preauricular flap.
abstract: An 86-year-old woman was referred for treatment of a lentigo maligna melanoma on the left earlobe, confirmed by cutaneous biopsy. The resulting surgical defect involved the earlobe's full thickness. The authors outline a simple method for reconstructing the entire lobe in one stage, without grafts, whilst offering a pleasant appearance. Earlobe deformity may be congenital or, more often, acquired due to trauma, burns or surgery. Ear lobules are an important reference point for facial symmetry and they serve decorative purposes like wearing earrings. Losing them represents an obvious aesthetic abnormality. Several methods developed to reconstruct this deformity have presented various advantages and disadvantages.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Garcia de Orta - Almada, Portugal.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goulão
authors.affiliation: Hospital Garcia de Orta - Almada, Portugal.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alves
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000601:surgery