Our Evolution of Approaches to Microtia Reconstruction

Abstract

Microtia reconstruction is a complex procedure performed by the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and requires an expert understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the ear. This article provides an overview of the evolution of microtia reconstruction through history. Techniques pioneered by microtia surgeons Drs. Radford Tanzer, Burt Brent, Satoru Nagata, and Françoise Firmin will be described along with an additional excerpt on the utilization of porous polyethylene (Medpor; Stryker, USA). The objective for the reader is to be able to summarize approaches of each major reconstructive technique, compare the differences in techniques, and gain an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Keywords: Auricle; Auricular; Brent; Costal cartilage; Firmin; Medpor; Microtia reconstruction; Nagata; Pinna; Rib cartilage; Tanzer.