Helix rim advancement for reconstruction of marginal defects of the pinna.

Helical rim defects commonly result from excision of neoplasms or from injury. Various techniques for reconstruction of such defects have been described. The wedge excision technique that is commonly described in texts causes butterfly deformity, webbing and cupping of the pinna and the authors believe that it should be abandoned. Helix rim advancement flaps were first described 30 years ago and offer a simple and versatile method for reconstruction with excellent cosmetic results. Line drawings and photographs show the operative sequence and the end results of such flaps.