Temporoparietal Fascia Flaps for Surgical Treatment of Cartilage Exposure After the First-Stage Microtia Reconstruction

ABSTRACT Significant improvements have been achieved in microtia reconstruction using an autogenous costal cartilage framework. However, complications such as skin necrosis and cartilage exposure often destroy the final contour of the reconstructed auricle. Local fascia flaps are commonly used in salvage surgery because of their reliability and satisfactory results. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old woman with multiple skin necroses and cartilage exposure on day 21 after the first-stage microtia reconstruction. The exposure area was covered by a temporoparietal fascia flap as a single-stage procedure. The most essential subunits survived, and the esthetic concours were harmonious and natural at 12 months postoperatively. Temporoparietal fascia flaps are recommended as the surgical treatment for multiple skin necroses and cartilage exposure in microtia reconstruction. The axial-pattern temporoparietal fascia flap is reliable for salvage auricular reconstruction and ensures satisfactory results at long-term follow-up.