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Theda C. Kontis, MD; Ira D. Papel, MD

Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2003;5:263-266.

Although complications from piercing of the helical rim are unusual, infections in this area after piercing can produce devastating changes in the cartilaginous framework. Scaphal height is also reduced in certain congenital pinna anomalies. We developed a method of scaphal reconstruction that uses a composite graft harvested from the ipsilateral conchal bowl. The conchal bowl defect is repaired with an ipsilateral full-thickness graft of postauricular skin. This technique restores scaphal height and helical contour with minimal donor site morbidity.

From the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Md, and Facial Plastic Surgicenter, Owings Mills, Md.