Application of auricular reconstruction with totally expanded skin in combination with laser hair removal for adolescent microtia

Abstract

Objective To explore the operating methods and its related questions of auricular reconstruction with totally expanded skin in combination with laser hair removal for the treatment of adolescent microtia. Methods From Jan. 2013 to Dec. 2016, 30 adolescent microtia patients were treated with totally expanded skin. At the first stage, the 100 ml kidney-shaped expander was implanted under the skin of mastoid. After expanding capacity of 80 ml, the hair on the expanded skin was depilated once a month with reference to the healthy ear; at the second stage, after expanding capacity of 150 ml, the expander was taken out and the fiber capsule was removed; the tautologous rib cartilage was harvested and the scaffolds were sculptured; the cartilage was implanted and the expanded skin flap was used to cover the frontal surface and back surface of the scaffold; at the third stage, the earlobe transposition, conchal excavation and tragus construction were performed at the same time. Results All the patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months; the results showed 1 case of leakage of expander, 4 cases of hematoma, 2 case of expanded skin burst, and the complications were treated correctly, all patients were satisfied with the appearance; the color, texture, location, size; and height of ear cranial angle were matched with health ear; there was no obvious scar and auricle subunit structure was clear. Conclusions The laser in combination with the large capacity tissue expander in auricular reconstruction is simple, less trauma and less scarring. Key words: Congenital microtia; Ear auricle; Lasers; Hair removal; Auricular reconstruction