Tissue expansion as an adjunct to reconstruction of congenital and acquired auricular deformities.

The role of tissue expansion in ear reconstruction has not been clearly defined. Tissue expansion was used to reconstruct 16 ears for posttraumatic, burn and congenital defects. Previous surgery or scarring in the region of the reconstruction was not regarded as an absolute contraindication. The overall complication rate was 31.2%. According to the senior author's grading system, the contours were excellent in 4 ears, good in 9 ears and fair in 3 ears.