The "Zulu" tissue expansion in construction of the helix and ear lobe.

A traditional custom has been employed in a design of a new technique to expand a rudimentary auricle. The technique involves a full thickness incision of the blob of tissue and positioning of a spacer which is gradually expanded by means of a conical obturator. The technique provides a large amount of local tissue that can be used in helix and ear lobe reconstruction. An illustrative case is reported.