Abstract
Background
As a rare auricular deformity, despite numerous surgical procedures for correcting moderate-to-severe question mark ears described in past studies, there remains a need to explore a more cost-effective approach. The optimal utilization of ear cartilage and surrounding skin while achieving superior outcomes continues to pose a significant challenge.
Methods
From 2018 to 2023, twenty-four patients with unilateral question mark ear were enrolled in this study. Seven of them were severe type deformities (absence of lower part of auricle), and seventeen were moderate (only cleft between helix and lobule). All patients were treated with new method using local cartilage and flap without damage in unaffected area.
Results
All patients were satisfied with significant improvement of question mark ear and the overall symmetrical appearance. The surgical scar was not obvious. No complications were observed. The follow-up period revealed that the corrective procedure kept producing the symmetrical and cosmetic results.
Conclusion
Our new method enables optimal utilization of deformed tissue and surrounding skin, rendering this method effective and reliable for correcting moderate-to-severe question mark ears.
Level of Evidence IV
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Funding
Special Program of Clinical and Translational Medicine Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2021-12M-C&T-B-076, Xiaobo Yu, CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, 2021-I2M-1-052, Xiaobo Yu
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Wang, T., Yu, X., Jiang, H. et al. New Method Using Local Affected Cartilage and Flap for the Cleft in Question Mark Ear. Aesth Plast Surg (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04030-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04030-0