Helical rim advancement flap with an additional postauricular skin flap: A case report

Abstract

The auricle is a three-dimensional cartilaginous frame covered with thin overlying skin. Due to its complex features, reconstructing helical rim defects after the excision of an auricular mass is challenging. Shortage of subcutaneous tissue and the presence of a tightly bound epithelium further hamper the primary closure of lateral (anterior) auricular skin defects. We present herein a case in which we used a helical rim advancement flap along with an additional postauricular skin flap. We achieved a satisfactory esthetic result with minimal loss of helical diameter and a low risk of flap necrosis by preserving the vascular network of the flap. This technique is less traumatic and will facilitate faster healing as well as improved patient recovery.