Cleft Earlobe Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Bilateral Earlobe Cleft Repair with and Without Platelet Rich Plasma Injection- In vivo Randomized Study

Comparative Evaluation of Bilateral Earlobe Cleft Repair with and Without Platelet Rich Plasma Injection- In vivo Randomized Study

Advancement-Rotation–Modified Z-plasty Technique to Prevent Notching in Congenital Cleft Earlobe Repair

The surgical correction of congenital cleft earlobes poses a unique set of challenges in achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes. While various surgical techniques have been proposed, most of them result in the appearance of irregularity and asymmetry of the earlobe. This paper presents a modification to the traditional Z-plasty technique that prevents the postoperative appearance of notching of the earlobe. Our technique achieves this by creating 2 flaps, a medial-advancement flap and a lateral-rotation flap, that are surgically constructed in a manner that ensures the posterior earlobe is directly attached to the mandibular cheek subcutaneous tissue as opposed to adjacent to it to render the appearance of a more natural-looking and volume-sufficient earlobe. The exact technique involved is discussed further in this paper, with supporting case-based examples to demonstrate its efficacy in enhancing overall aesthetic outcomes.

A CASE REPORT: EARLOBE RECONSTRUCTION ON CONGENITAL AURICULAR LOBE DEFECT USING Z-PLASTY

Highlights: Congenital ear defects typically result from growth failures during the fifth to ninth weeks of gestation or from mechanical stress during this period. Auricular lobuloplasty using the Z-plasty flap technique effectively addresses earlobe defects, resulting in optimal aesthetic outcomes with no keloid formation, minimal scarring, and no complications. Abstract: Introduction: Earlobe defects, often due to embryonal growth failure or injury, can affect aesthetics and social interactions despite not impacting hearing. Earlobe defect can be formed either from birth as congenital defect or secondary manifestation of other causes such as tumor and external factor such as earring usage or trauma. This study aimed to address these issues by performing auricular lobuloplasty using a Z-plasty flap technique. The procedure, crucial for protecting the auditory canal and facilitating eyeglass use, was successful in achieving the desired aesthetic outcome. Data on microtia prevalence, particularly in Indonesia, highlights the need for such reconstructive surgeries. Case Illustration: A 9-year-old boy underwent auricular lobuloplasty to correct a cleft earlobe deformity, which caused social discomfort. The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, utilized a Z-plasty technique to lengthen and reorient the scar. Postoperative care included wound dressing changes and oral pain medication. After two weeks, satisfactory results were observed with no reported complications. Discussion: The study on congenital ear deformities focuses on Z-plasty for earlobe reconstruction, detailing classifications, surgical techniques, and case results. The surgery was successful with minimal scarring and no keloid formation. Using Weerda's classification, the technique showed minimal scarring and no keloid formation. The approach, emphasizing proper skin envelope and alignment with Langer lines, offers effective aesthetic restoration, making it a valuable reference for future earlobe reconstruction cases. Conclusion: Utilizing Z-plasty for earlobe defect reconstruction aids in improving the earlobe's appearance with minimal to no complications.

Application of stereoscopic unequal S-plasty for reconstuction of the congenital hypoplastic ear lobe cleft associated with soft tissue deficiency

Objective: To explore the ideal way of using the stereoscopic unequal S-plasty in reconstruction of the congenital hypoplastic ear lobe cleft with soft tissue deficiency. Methods: Data of 10 patients with the congenital hypoplastic ear lobe cleft associated with soft tissue deficiency who were treated using the stereoscopic unequal S-plasty in the plastic cosmetic surgery of Xuzhou Central Hospital from Aug 2018 to Aug 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Six patients were male, 4 were female. Their ages ranged from 6 years to 19 years old, with a mean age of 13 years. Lobe deficiency size ranged from 0.8 cm×0.5 cm to 1.2 cm×1.0 cm. Results: The post-operation flaps had no venous congestion, infection or necrosises. During 3 to 12 months of follow-up, the technique made the shape of the ear lobe smoother. The incisions left inconspicuous scars. The result was satisfactory in terms of matching the contralateral normal ear lobe in shape and symmetry. Doctors and patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions: The stereoscopic unequal S-plasty is an effective way to correct the the severe congenital ear lobe deformity. The good result,simple manipulation and short operation time are the advantages of this method.

Management of the Congenital Cleft Earlobe with a Conchal Cartilage Graft.

Congenital earlobe clefts are the most common lower auricular malformations. They represent a unique reconstructive challenge. The goal of surgery includes restoration of a natural lobular contour and volume as well as a fine surgical scar. Several surgical techniques have been described, most of which only address the cleft deformity but not the soft tissue deficiency. We hereby describe a technique which addresses both the cleft and improves soft tissue deficiency through a conchal cartilage graft.

WITHDRAWN: Congenital cleft earlobe: Classification and surgical techniques with a scoping review of the literature

Congenital cleft earlobes are a rare type of deformity. The degree of cleft earlobe deformity can vary. For this reason, there are no widely accepted classifications and corrective methods. Herein, we report a case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with right defective type cleft earlobe. Moreover, we clarify the various types of congenital cleft earlobes and possible corrective methods reported until now. We performed PubMed searches to identify all studies on ‘ear deformity’ and ‘cleft earlobe’, and analyzed 14 articles to organize the classification of congenital cleft earlobe and their corrective methods. The case was successfully reconstructed with a simple local flap technique, and our technique can be easily applied in defective type cleft earlobe of moderate to severe degree. Prompted by this case, we have organized two classifications and the surgical techniques to correct congenital cleft earlobe from a scoping review of the literature. The congenital cleft earlobe can be classified into four subtypes according to the external appearance: defective type, simple type, tag, and cleft with or without hypoplasia, and triple lobe. Various reconstructive methods including simple suture, Z-plasty, Y–V advancement, and several flap techniques have been described according to the 4 subtypes of congenital cleft earlobes.

Repair of Congenitally Defective Type of Earlobe Clefts With Residual Lobular Tissue: A Convenient and Effective Surgical Technique.

For patients with a congenitally defective type of earlobe cleft, repair techniques similar to those utilized for earlobe lacerations are not suitable due to the presence of certain tissue defects. However, traditional earlobe reconstruction techniques imply the need to form complex flaps with adjacent normal tissues, which may lead to many complications. In this study, we developed a technique to repair the earlobe with residual lobular tissue based on the characteristics of congenitally defective earlobe clefts. We designed a triangular random flap out of the remnant lobular tissue, rotated and embedded into the edge of the remnant earlobe to repair the earlobe. In the past 3 years, this technique was applied to 15 patients with congenitally defective earlobe clefts. With this technique, the new earlobe achieved the desired aesthetic results, such as smooth edges and fullness of form, without complicated and unnecessary incisions. It also solved the aesthetic problem of residual lobular tissue on the face. Based on the characteristics of the congenitally defective type of earlobe cleft, we innovatively proposed the utilization of residual lobular tissues for earlobe repair, and the feasibility and multiple advantages of this technique have been demonstrated in practice.

Congenital cleft earlobe repair by triangular flap technique

Introduction: Congenital cleft earlobe is a common congenital deformity of earlobe. Various techniques have been described for its repair, but cosmetic deformity usually persists. We present our result using triangular flap repair for simple longitudinal cleft of earlobe. Materials and Methods: The procedure was done in five cases who presented between 2017 and 2020. The technique uses the same principles as in Randall-Tennison triangular flap repair for cleft lip. Results: Earlobes were near-symmetrical, postoperative scar minimal and patient satisfaction was very good in all cases. Ear piercing was done without any complications at least 6 months after surgery. After a follow-up of 1 year, no complications were noted. Conclusions: Triangular flap repair technique for cleft earlobe follows the principles of Randall-Tennison triangular flap repair for cleft lip. It provides very good results with esthetic contour, minimal scar with no complications in case of simple longitudinal cleft.

Earlobe stabilizer: Suture packaging

Torn, split, or cleft earlobes are common, arising from trauma, earrings, and congenital abnormalities. Many patients seek a dermatologist for quick, effective treatment (Fig 1). Numerous surgical techniques outlining earlobe repairs exist. However, stabilization of the earlobe is a key detail often overlooked.

A Comparative Study of Elongation of Earlobe Following Two Different Modalities for Repair of Posttraumatic Split of Earlobe: Simple Side-to-Side Closure and Closure with Anterior Posterior Flap Modification.

Context:Ear piercing is a common practice in women seen in the Asian and African subcontinents. Traumatic elongation of ear lobe cleft is seen following long-standing use of heavy jewellery on the ear, or a tug on the earring. These inadvertent tears of the lobe have resulted in patients seeking earlobe repairs, which are routinely performed as an outpatient procedure. Various surgical methods exist for earlobe repair from the simple closure to modified flaps and Z-plasty. Certain methods with excessive tissue loss can result in elongation of the earlobe postprocedure.Aims and Objectives:This study aimed to compare the elongation of earlobe post repair with simple side-to-side closure versus closure with anterior–posterior flap modification.Settings and Design:A cohort study conducted at the outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital of Mumbai.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 women with bilateral, equal, or almost equal earlobe clefts were enrolled in this study. After informed consent, simple side-to-side closure was performed on one earlobe and closure with anterior–posterior flap modification was carried out on the other side in the same patient under strict aseptic precautions. Patients were followed up two weekly till 12 weeks postoperative for any possible elongation of earlobe.Statistical Analysis Used:The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM, New York, USA) software package for windows, version 20.0. Quantitative and qualitative variables were presented as mean ±standard deviation (SD) and as frequency with percentages. The comparison was done with paired t-test.Results:It was seen that earlobe repairs led to significant elongation of the lobe with simple closure, which did not occur with flap modification irrespective of cleft sizes.Conclusion:It is imperative to choose a correct method to avoid postprocedure elongation of earlobe.

Efficient closure of earlobe cleft with biopsy punch.

Efficient closure of earlobe cleft with biopsy punch.

Step advancement flap technique of ear lobe repair

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Ear piercing and ornament wearing is a historical tradition. Dilated ear lobe and torn earlobe usually results from sudden trauma or continuous use of heavy earrings. Various surgical techniques have been described for the correction of the same. Each procedure has its own pros and cons. The choice will depend on individual preferences and the defect, partial or total, and should offer a lower chance of recurrence. The corrections can be made with or without preservation of the earring orifice. The aim and objectives of this study was to present and discuss a novel technique of repairing the partial and complete cleft ear practiced at Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Karnataka, India.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective study was done on the use of a novel technique “Step advancement flap” in the repair of partial and complete cleft ear lobe in 18 patients. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A good post-operative results were achieved in all the patients with maintained ear lobe thickness and a sutured skin scar away from the center.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our technique has an advantage of maintaining the normal ear lobe thickness and the sutured skin scar away from the center on either side of the ear lobule compared to other techniques. Thus the neo piercing can be done at a fresh central skin avoiding the skin scar.</p>

Reconstruction of a Traumatic Cleft Earlobe Using a Combination of the Inverted V-Shaped Excision Technique and Vertical Mattress Suture Method.

Traumatic cleft earlobes are a common problem encountered by plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Various techniques have been reported for the repair of traumatic cleft earlobes. Usually, the techniques of split earlobe repair are divided into two categories, namely straight- and broken-line repairs. Straight-line repair is simple and easy, but scar contracture frequently results in notching of the inferior border of the lobule. It can be avoided by the broken-line repair such as Z-plasty, L-plasty, or a V-shaped flap. Between April 2016 and February 2017, six patients who presented with traumatic cleft earlobe underwent surgical correction using a combination of the inverted V-shaped excision technique and vertical mattress suture method. All the patients were female and had a unilateral complete cleft earlobe. No postoperative notching of the inferior border the lobule occurred during 6–16 months of follow-up. Without the use of a broken-line repair, both the patients and the operators attained aesthetically satisfactory results. Therefore, the combination of the inverted V-shaped excision technique and vertical mattress suture method is considered useful in the treatment of traumatic cleft earlobes.

Auricular Lobuloplasty.

To evaluate surgical outcomes of auricular lobuloplasy. In total, 13 patients (10 females and 3 males; average age, 32.3±8.48 years; range 21-44 years) who underwent auricular lobuloplasty were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, cause of surgery, presence of complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 16.5±9.6 months with the shortest and the longest follow-up being 6 and 34 months, respectively. Surgeries were performed under local anesthesia in 10 cases (76.9%) and under general anesthesia in three cases (23.1%). Lobuloplasty were performed in eight cases (61.5%) with a diagnosis of partial lobule cleft, four cases (30.7%) with a diagnosis of elongated lobule, and one case (7.8%) with a diagnosis of congenital earlobe cleft. There were no postoperative complications and revision surgery was not necessary for any of the patients. Multiple surgical techniques exist for repairing earlobe deformities. Auricular lobuloplasty is a surgical procedure that has several advantages including safety, ease of use, and effectiveness.

Role of Pressure Therapy in the Management of Earlobe Clefts

ABSTRACT Congenital cleft of earlobe is a rare malformation showing a wide range of severity. The surgical closure of the cleft is an indispensable treatment modality but the treatment should be customized according to the situation. The postsurgical cosmetic results are not always satisfactory as they are dependent on the location and amount of deficient tissues. Predictable esthetic results can be achieved by adopting comprehensive treatment protocol including a staged surgery and pressure therapy. The case report describes the provision of pressure therapy with an esthetically pleasing, inexpensive, custom-made ear pressure clip for a patient with recently operated congenital cleft earlobe. How to cite this article Sikka N, Bala S, Dhiman M, Khatana R, Garg B. Role of Pressure Therapy in the Management of Earlobe Clefts. J Oral Health Comm Dent 2017;11(2):48-50.

Incomplete ear lobe cleft repair with 100% trichloroacetic acid

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the incomplete ear lobe cleft repair.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 30 females with bilateral incomplete ear lobe cleft were included in the study group. Under local anaesthesia, 100% TCA was applied to the abraded surface with the help of toothpick till frosting was achieved and the wound was closed with a micropore tape. Patients were reviewed weekly and 100% TCA was applied until frosting was achieved, without abrasion on the edges of cleft once a week till complete closure of the ear lobe cleft.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 30 patients 28 (93.33 %) had complete closure of cleft. Two patients (6.66%) had incomplete closure even after four application of TCA. Temporary post inflammatory pigmentation was seen in 22 (73.33%) patients which subsided one week after the last TCA application. Minimum number of sittings required was one and maximum required for complete closure was 3 sessions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Multiple applications, temporary post inflammatory pigmentation, inward rolling of edges, mild scarring as a result of secondary healing of the wound and failure to repair the bigger clefts were the disadvantages of this technique.</p>

Surgical correction of cleft earlobes Hassen

Background Earlobes are considered as an important element in the cosmetic feature of the entire ear and face. Several techniques have been suggested to repair the torn earlobe. These corrections have been done to restore the natural appearance and shape of the ear for cosmetic, professional, or social reasons. Aim The aim of the present study was to present and discuss the technique used in the Unit of Plastic Surgery at Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, Egypt, for the repair of earlobe clefts. Settings and design A prospective study was carried out on the procedures used to repair split earlobes in our hospital. Materials and methods We present a personal and geometrical modification of the double-lobed flap carried out on 24 patients with split earlobes. Results The anatomical curvature of the earlobe was restored apart from reducing the skin retraction without causing scars or adding skin grafts. Conclusion We proved that our technique has many advantages and improved cosmetic results.

A new technique for the surgical repair of double cleft earlobe: modified Millard's rotation–advancement flap

The double cleft earlobe is a rare earlobe deformation. The most common causes of cleft earlobe are earring or piercing tear injuries and trauma. In this study, the cases of five patients (all women) attending the clinic between 2010 and 2013 suffering from a unilateral traumatic complete double earlobe cleft as a result of an earring injury were evaluated. The principles of Millard's cleft lip repair were applied during the repair of these double cleft earlobe deformities. This adaptation of Millard's technique to repair double earlobe clefts with a non-straight closure appears to give satisfactory results.

Traumatic Cleft Earlobe Repair Using Double Triangular Flap From Epithelialized Skin of Cleft Margin

Traumatic cleft earlobe is the most common secondary deformity of the ear. Numerous techniques have been introduced to repair traumatic cleft earlobe and break the linear scar. However, most of the techniques require elevation of additional flaps from normal surrounding tissue and sacrifice healthy tissue from small earlobes. The authors used epithelialized scar tissue from the cleft margin to elevate 2 triangular flaps. The flaps were turned 90 degrees to fit into the fish-mouth incision at the margin of the cleft earlobe. With this method, tissue from the cleft margin is saved to elongate and break the linear scar of the earlobe. Twelve cases of secondary cleft earlobe were repaired with this technique. After a follow-up of at least 3 months, there was no scar contracture or notching of the earlobe lower border. Level IV, therapeutic.

Traumatic Cleft Earlobe Repair: Using a Double Triangular Flap for Differently Sized Components on Either Side of the Cleft

Numerous techniques, including double opposing Z-plasty, have been introduced to repair traumatic cleft earlobes and break the linear scar. Even with multiple operative methods available for repairing traumatic cleft earlobe, notable scar contractures and dimpling of the earlobe border remain in some cases. The authors noted patients with different sized components on either side of the traumatized earlobe. For these patients, the authors utilized epithelialized skin to elevate two small triangular flaps from the larger component of the cleft earlobe and transferred them to the smaller component to augment the volume and elongate the scar. There was minimal tissue loss and dissection. Five patients with an asymmetrical secondary cleft earlobe with different sized components underwent lobe repair via this method, and there was no scar contracture or dimpling after at least 6months of follow-up. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .