Ear Elevation using the Superficial Temporal Fascia Harvested Through Minimal Incision.

Chun, Yong Hoon; Hyon, Won Sok; Ha, Bomjoon; Oh, Kap Sung

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Review

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2002;29(4):357-363.
Published online July 1, 2002.

Ear Elevation using the Superficial Temporal Fascia Harvested Through Minimal Incision.

Yong Hoon Chun, Won Sok Hyon, Bomjoon Ha, Kap Sung Oh

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ksoh@samsung.co.kr

Abstract

The superficial temporal fascia is a thin, pliable, well- vascularized flap that is useful in elevation of the reconstructed ear of the microtia. However, the elevation of the superficial temporal fascial flap by conventional T or zigzag incisions in temporal region frequently leaves a conspicuous scar, hair thinning and alopecia. To overcome these problems, we harvested the superficial temporal fascia as a random pattern flap using only a retroauricular skin incision line for the ear elevation. Thereafter, the cartilage framework was elevated including superficial temporal fascia and superficial mastoid fascia underneath: dissection plane was continuous with the superficial temporal fascial flap harvest and dissection was performed just beneath the superficial mastoid fascia under the framework. A carved costal cartilage block was grafted at the posterior wall of the concha and covered with the harvested superficial temporal fascial flap, followed by a full-thickness skin graft. From June 2001 to December 2001, 9 patients (male 8 and female 1), who ranged from 9 to 26 years in age, underwent ear elevation using this method. The skin grafts was successful and the appropriate auriculocephalic angle was preserved in all cases. We did not find any complications such as infection, graft loss or cartilage extrusion in the 3 to 9 months follow-up period and the patients were satisfied with their cosmetic results. This method was easy to perform and did not leave any other scar in the temporal hear-bearing area and the results have been favorable.

Keywords: Microtia; Ear elevation; Superficial temporal fascial flap; Superficial mastoid fascia

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