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Researchers suggest stratified, size-based approach for repair of gauge earlobe defects

Researchers established and presented their results from a size-based approach for repairing gauge earlobe defects in a recently published retrospective study.

Using the researchers’ proposed approach to repair, patients’ defects are classified into three groups of earlobe deformity: small, where primary closure is adequate; medium, where the earlobe is distorted and thin; and large, where the earlobe border is inferiorly displaced with vertical axis abnormalities.

In patients with small defects, primary closure is usually sufficient and is similar to the repair of a torn earlobe piercing or cleft earlobe. The skin edges are not far from each other, and there is no distortion to the earlobe outline.

Among patients with medium-sized defects, the natural curve along the inferior border of the earlobe is irregular, and there is a more significant hole or void in soft tissue. The researchers’ method restores a natural contour to the earlobe and utilizes neighboring soft tissue to repair the defect.

In large-defect cases, missing soft tissue needs to be addressed to fill the void, and redundant soft tissue that was inferiorly stretched needs to be excised. The researchers’ technique involves creating two pedicled flaps and a posterior-inferior-based advancement flap by excising a wedge-shaped skin segment between the antitragus and inferior border of the helical rim.

For the study, the researchers included 20 patients who requested earlobe reconstruction and had at least 1 year of follow-up.

Using their size-based approach, the researchers were able to correct the patients’ defects, with positive results and no significant complications noted. Additionally, none of the patients required further revision. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.