Auricular reconstruction.

Reconstruction strategies for the ear should address the major aesthetic goals of maintaining the helical curvature and the symmetric frontal profile. When the auditory canal is involved, maintaining its patency is a major functional goal. The anatomic location of the defect, by virtue of its topographic features and adjacent donor pools, will dictate the appropriate reconstructive option. Familiarity with these anatomically-specific options will enable the surgeon to more simply and effectively reconstruct the ear.