Implication of technique of "two-flap" in ear reconstruction

Objective: To explore the technique of "two-flap" in ear reconstruction.

Methods: Quantitative tissue expansions were used in the mastoid area in the first stage. After the final injection, there was 1 month of sustaining time. Expanded skin flap and unexpanded fascia flap were designed in the second stage, so the "two-flap" technique was used in the ear reconstruction. From January 2004 to December 2008, 1427 patients of microtia were treated using "two-flap" technique.

Results: The expanded skin flap could show the fine structures of the reconstructed ears. The reconstructed ears had vivid cranioauricular angle after using the unexpanded fascia flap.

Conclusions: "Two-flap" method was easily manipulated and the complications were rare. The reconstructed ears had lucid and three-dimensional contour.