Ear and nose reconstruction in children.

Auricular and nasal deformities can have significant social ramifications; therefore, proper repair of these deformities is critically important to a child's well-being. Moreover, the benefits of reconstruction in the pediatric population must be weighed against added concerns about potential growth restriction on the ear and the nose with any manipulation. This article reviews various methods of auricular and nasal reconstruction and discusses some of the technical pearls for improved outcome. A complete discourse on treatment of total ear and nasal reconstruction is beyond the scope of this article. Attention is focused primarily on partial to subtotal defects.