A method to repair auricular defects after perichondrial cutaneous grafting.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and illustrate the technique for closing the auricular bowl defect after perichondrial cutaneous grafting. The postauricular flip-flop flap is used for this purpose.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective clinical study of 354 patients using the perichondrial cutaneous graft for various reconstructions of the face and then performing the postauricular flip-flop flap procedure.

METHODS

The perichondrial cutaneous graft is a reliable, versatile graft that possesses unique properties for reconstructive surgery of the face. The postauricular flip-flop flap is our particular technique for closure of the donor site wound after using the perichondrial cutaneous graft. It is a relatively simple procedure that has predictable results. We used this technique in patients ranging in age from 7 days to 92 years and noted excellent cosmetic results and rare complications.

RESULTS

Two patients had failure of the perichondrial cutaneous graft. Two patients had partial necrosis of the postauricular flip-flop flap. Two patients had dehiscence of the postauricular closure.

CONCLUSION

The postauricular flip-flop flap is a reliable method to repair the donor site after perichondrial cutaneous grafting.