Auricular reconstruction and correction of mild hemifacial microsomia with dermal fat graft in one stage

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of auricular reconstruction and correction of mild hemifacial microsomia with dermal fat graft in one stage. 28 cases with microtia and grade I and II hemifacial microsomia were treated. The tissue expander was implanted under the skin of mastoid at the first stage. At the second stage, the auricular reconstruction was performed with autologous rib cartilage framework. The remained dermal fat tissue from the donor site was inserted subcutaneously to correct the asymmetric face of microsomia. 20 cases, who underwent auricular reconstruction only, were used as control group. The facial asymmetry was greatly improved after operation in the 28 cases. The complications happened in 7% (2/28) of the patients, including one case of infection and one case of framework exposure. While it was 5% (1/20) in control group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The satisfactory rate was 93% (26/28) in one-staged group and 80% (16/20) in control group (P < 0.05). The dermal fat graft which should be abandoned in the traditional auricular reconstructions could be used to correct mild hemifacial microsomia with satisfactory appearance improvement.