In:
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 34, No. 1 ( 2023-01), p. e19-e22
Abstract:
Cancer removal from aesthetically vulnerable areas of the face strikes a delicate balance between oncologically appropriate excision and preservation of a unique structure. A 72-year-old male presented with melanoma of the right earlobe requiring complete excision. Partial or complete absence of an ear causes a deformity and is difficult to conceal. Thus, lobule reconstruction postmelanoma excision eliminates deformity and aids in psychological recovery. In this case report, we describe our novel technique of a 2-stage lobule reconstruction immediately after melanoma resection using a direct template of the excised lobule. This template allowed us to sculpt its identical size and shape using harvested contralateral conchal cartilage graft. After the cartilage was banked in a subcutaneous pocket for 8.5 weeks, the second stage liberated the reconstructed lobule. This immediate 2-stage technique eliminated a period of soft tissue contracture and presented a rare surgical opportunity to recreate a structure using its direct template. Level of Evidence: Level IV—case report.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1049-2275
DOI:
10.1097/SCS.0000000000008839
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2060546-8
