Using a remnant ear to reconstruct the tragus in total ear reconstruction.

Although the tragus is a small part of the auricle, it is necessary for a reconstructed ear because the excavated conchal region looks quite like a meatus when a prominent tragus casts a shadow on it. To our knowledge, there have been very few reports that specifically address tragus reconstruction. This article discusses various techniques and provides detailed knowledge regarding tragus reconstruction. According to various sizes, shapes and location of the remnant ear, the following methods have been used to reconstruct the tragus. (1) Inversion of a W-shaped skin flap; (2) modifying the concavity of the conchal trace to the convexity of the tragus; (3) obtaining a cartilage-containing composite graft from the remnant ear. At follow up between 3 months and 2 years, most reconstructed tragi have a satisfactory appearance and projection. These methods have proved to be extremely safe, simple and practical, justifying their wide use. (c) 2008 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.