Soft-tissue reconstruction for atypical microtia malformations and trauma.

OBJECTIVE To provide customized reconstructions of atypical microtia malformations and trauma via 1- or 2-stage procedures. DESIGN Case reports. SETTING Academic otolaryngology specialty hospital. PATIENTS Pediatric patients with rare and unique ear malformations. INTERVENTIONS Customized auricular reconstruction using contralateral postauricular donor grafts (skin and cartilage) as well as ipsilateral tissue (flaps and bone). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative results. RESULTS Surgical procedures were completed in 1 or 2 stages with minimal morbidity. No donor scars were visible, in contrast to traditional reconstructive methods. The completed auricular appearance was realistic. CONCLUSION Selected patients can benefit from soft-tissue reconstruction of the auricle that feels normal to the touch and lacks the morbidity and scarring of traditional reconstructive methods.