Cleft Earlobe Repair

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of 9 patients who underwent a total of 11 repairs for cleft earlobe. Two repairs were performed using the simple technique, and 9 were repaired using the L-plasty technique. The mean follow-up was 5.5 months (range, 2-18 months). Both of the simple repairs were judged to have moderate notching along the inferior lobular border, and 1 of the 9 L-plasty repairs was judged to have a slight notching. There were no complications. We believe that the L-plasty technique offers a better cosmetic result in the repair of the cleft earlobe. This technique breaks the vertical component of scar contracture, resulting in a smooth lobular border. In addition, a variation on this technique allows for a simultaneous reduction of the lobule when indicated.