The utility of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) for auricular reconstruction
Abstract
Background Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) are a common repair option on the external ear, but there are few large case series examining graft sublocations, dimensions, and outcomes.Objective We sought to report our experience with FTSGs for repair of postsurgical defects of the external ear.Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all FTSGs on the ear performed by 2 surgeons (J. C., 2000-2014; B. C. L., 2007-2014) after clearance by Mohs micrographic surgery at a single institution.Results A total of 1519 FTSGs on the ear were performed between June 2000 and March 2014. The most common sublocations were the superior helix (38.8%), the crura of the antihelix or scapha (18.9%), and the back of ear/back of helix (15.4%). The overall complication rate was 1.6%, and the most common complication was graft failure (1.2%).Limitations Data were collected retrospectively from a single institution. Follow-up beyond 3 months was limited. A standardized assessment tool for aesthetic outcomes was not performed.Conclusion By taking advantage of predictable "pincushioning" and combining with local flaps or cartilage grafts, FTSGs can provide more volumetric replacement than previously described. They reliably preserve the height and complex topography of the ear with a low complication rate.
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In a retrospective review of 1,519 FTSGs used in ear reconstruction, Trufant et al accrued a low complication rate (1.6%), with graft failure being the most common complication (1.2% of all FTSGs).
“In a retrospective review of 1,519 FTSGs used in ear reconstruction, Trufant et al accrued a low complication rate (1.6%), with graft failure being the most common complication (1.2% of all FTSGs).21”
From Ear Reconstruction following Mohs Micrographic Surgery (2024) · cites this paper as [21]
Typical donor sites for FTSGs include the ipsilateral postauricular area for defects < 2 cm and the supraclavicular area for defects > 2 cm.
“Typical donor sites include the ipsilateral postauricular area for defects < 2 cm and the supraclavicular area for defects > 2 cm.21”
From Ear Reconstruction following Mohs Micrographic Surgery (2024) · cites this paper as [21]
Skin grafts usually determine color mismatch and a longer healing time.
“Skin grafts represent a simple and reliable procedure when only the skin is resected and the underlying perichondrium is intact, but they usually determine color mismatch and a longer healing time [10].”
From A Retrospective Study on Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Ear following Skin Cancer Excision in Elderly Patients (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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- Authors
- Trufant, J. W., Marzolf, S., Leach, B. C., & Cook, J.
- Affiliations
- Thomas Jefferson University (US)
- Medical University of South Carolina (US)
- Corresponding author
- Trufant, Joshua W.
- Venue
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2016-07
- Volume
- 75
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 169-176
- ISSN
- 0190-9622 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2292404892
- Cited by
- 41
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 1
- FWCI
- 4.43
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Ear and Head Tumors
- Keywords
- full-thickness skin graft, ear reconstruction, graft failure, local flaps, cartilage grafts, Mohs micrographic surgery
- MeSH terms
- Cartilage, Ear Deformities, Acquired, Ear Neoplasms, Humans, Medical Illustration, Photography, Retrospective Studies, Skin Neoplasms, Mohs Surgery, Skin Transplantation, Ear Auricle, Dermatologic Surgical Procedures
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