Correction of constricted ear.

We present a case of moderate constricted ear corrected using a modified Tanzer's technique for the helical deformity and lengthening the lower third of the pinna with a cutaneous transposition flap from the retroauricular area. The operation begins with a rapid intraoperative expansion of the retroauricular skin. Then an incision is made on the posteromedial ear aspect and the ear is degloved using a subperichondral plane. The upper pole of the cartilage is expanded and rearranged by an anteriorly pedicled helical flap and a cartilaginous graft is taken from the constricted part of the concha. The lower third of the pinna is lengthened by a cutaneous transposition flap from the retroauricular area. Thus, the ear is lengthened and the skin that otherwise tends to maintain its "constricted" form relapses. A second surgical stage is performed, under local anesthesia, to cut the pedicle of the retroauricular transposition flap. This method consents an adequate correction of the shape and an effective expansion, of about 1 cm, in the length of the pinna.