Sculpting a tridimensional autologous rib cartilage framework is essential to restore a natural ear shape and becomes routine with preoperative training, but management of the skin is the key to minimizing complications. Here the authors provide a classification scheme to manage auricular skin: Type 1 is a Z-plasty with transposition of the lobule; type 2 is a transfixion incision of the microtic ear; type 3 exposes the cartilage remnants through a cutaneous incision. They also explain how to choose between the three types, depending upon the auricular skin potential. With training and method, results in ear reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage are excellent and reproducible.
Keywords: Ear reconstruction; autologous; cartilage; classification; microtia.