A new corrective method for the Tanzer's group IIB constricted ear: Helical expansion using V-Y advancement flap combined with concha cartilage graft.

[BACKGROUND] The complexity of a constricted ear shape renders the aim of establishing a uniform surgical method unattainable, thus posing an ongoing challenge in its correction. The Tanzer's group IIB constricted ear is characterized by a prominent downward folding, an underdeveloped antihelix, and the absence of sacpha. The present study used a V-Y advancement flap combined with concha cartilage for the repair of Tanzer's group IIB constricted ear.

[METHOD] A total of 16 patients diagnosed with type IIB ear constriction from September 2016 to September 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The correction procedure for the constricted ear involved the utilization of a V-Y advancement flap combined with concha cartilage graft. The auricle shape data of the patients, their visual analog scale (VAS) satisfaction scores, and aesthetic outcomes scale (AOS) aesthetic scores were examined preoperatively and 12 months post-operatively.

[RESULT] The mean duration of follow-up in this study was 18 months. The post-operative measurements of ear length, ear width, bilateral differences in ear length, and bilateral differences in ear width exhibited significant improvement compared to the preoperative values. The mean preoperative AOS score was 1.12 ± 0.34, and the mean post-operative AOS score increased to 3.81 ± 0.40. The preoperative VAS satisfaction score was 2.31 ± 0.70, whereas the post-operative VAS score significantly increased to 8.00 ± 0.89. The follow-up period did not present any cases of flap necrosis, hematoma, infection, or wound dehiscence.

[CONCLUSION] The combination of V-Y advancement flap and concha cartilage transplantation for the correction of Tanzer's group IIB constricted ear can achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing auricle shape, resulting in high patient satisfaction.