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Defects of the ear helix after tumor resection are not uncommon. Second intention healing is usually not advisable, due to resultant ear notching and contraction; therefore, reconstruction is necessary. These authors present their experience with the chondrocutaneous helical-rim advancement flap of Antia and Buch in 47 patients.
The procedure involves incising the helical rim anteriorly down to the earlobe, or to the helical crus for larger defects to mobilize more tissue. The posterior ear surface is undermined to the postauricular sulcus. Burrow's triangles are excised in the anterior ear lobe and on the posterior surface of the ear at the leading edge of the flap. To prevent helical-rim notching, everting vertical mattress sutures or Z-pl…