Modification of the second stage of auricular elevation in Nagata's technique for treating microtia.

The ultimate goal in treating congenital microtia is the reconstruction of an auricle with a natural appearance as close as possible to the healthy one in terms of shape, contour, size, texture, position, and projection. Here we present another option to the second stage of raising the ear in Nagata's technique for treating microtia. The first step includes implantation of a cartilaginous framework and transposition of the ear lobe. Raising the cartilage leaves a skin defect behind the auricle. Instead of using a superficial temporoparietal fascia flap as described by Nagata, we raise a simple rotation flap from the mastoid and neck to close the defect with a minimal scar. The advantages of this technique include firm elevation, good frontal projection, and a natural appearance of the auriculo-cephalic sulcus with a normal retroauricular hairline. In addition, the procedure fast and practical, creates no additional scars on the scalp, and preserves the superficial temporoparietal fascia.