Soft-tissue reconstruction for atypical microtia malformations and trauma

Objective: To provide customized reconstructions of atypical microtia malformations and trauma via 1- or 2-stage procedures. Design: Case reports. Setting: Academic otolaryngology specialty hospital. Patients: Pediatric patients with rare and unique ear malformations. Interventions: Customized auricular reconstruction using contralateral postauricular donor grafts (skin and cartilage) as well as ipsilateral tissue (flaps and bone). Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative results. Results: Surgical procedures were completed in 1 or 2 stages with minimal morbidity. No donor scars were visible, in contrast to traditional reconstructive methods. The completed auricular appearance was realistic. Conclusion: Selected patients can benefit from soft-tissue reconstruction of the auricle that feels normal to the touch and lacks the morbidity and scarring of traditional reconstructive methods.