Arch Plast Surg.  2017 Sep;44(5):453-456. 10.5999/aps.2017.44.5.453.

The Rolling Earlobe Flap for Dilated Ear Holes Following Ear Gauging: A Novel Approach to Aesthetically Preserving Earlobe Soft Tissue Volume

• Pek WS
• Goh LH
• Pek CH

• KMID: 2392321
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.44.5.453

Abstract

Patients are increasingly seeking repair of their earlobes following ear gauging. Research has shown that current repair techniques either excessively reduce the lobular volume or leave an obvious scar along the free edge of the earlobe. In our case series, we describe the use of a novel technique for repairing earlobes following ear gauging using a rolling earlobe flap that preserves the lobular volume and avoids leaving a scar on the free edge of the lobule. The procedure was performed on 3 patients (6 earlobes) who had defects from ear gauging that ranged from 3.0 to 6.5 cm. There were no postoperative complications of infection, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, hypertrophic scars, or keloids, and all patients were highly satisfied with the postoperative results. This versatile technique allows for an aesthetically pleasing reconstruction of the lobule with the advantages of: the absence of a surgical scar on the free edge of the lobule, preserving the lobule volume, and presenting a highly customizable technique that allows lobules to be created with various shapes and volumes.

Keyword

Ear deformities, acquired; Body piercing; Surgical flaps

MeSH Terms

Body Piercing
Cicatrix
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic
Ear Deformities, Acquired
Ear*
Humans
Keloid
Necrosis
Postoperative Complications
Surgical Flaps
Wound Infection