Technique of auricular reconstruction with a postauricular island flap "flip-flop flap"

Surgical defects of the concha-helix part of the ear may heal well by secondary intention, but large defects may take a long time to heal and may pose a reconstructive challenge. Skin grafts or local flaps may be used, but cosmetic results are often unsatisfactory. Reconstruction after resection of auricular-cavum conchae lesions may be done with a retroauricular rotation flap. The technique of a postauricular island flap is described. It is a fasciocutaneous flap with small, questionable, superior and anteroinferior muscular contributions and an inclusion of the rather small posterior auricular muscle. We recommend the use of this flap for practical, safe, and early satisfactory cosmetic results.