Superiorly Based Preauricular Tunneled Perforator Flap for Anterior Auricular Surface Defects

Auricular reconstruction is challenging due to the delicate cartilage and thin skin. Small defects are difficult to close primarily due to the lack of skin mobility, risking complications like chondrites or infections. The avascular cartilage further complicates healing, making skin grafts over exposed cartilage unfeasible and might result in chondrites or local infection. Various surgical techniques have evolved, with local flaps offering specific advantages.1–3 The preauricular area provides pliable skin matching the auricle’s texture and color, supported by a reliable vascular network. In this article, the authors share their experience in 1-stage reconstruction procedure of the anterior surface of the auricle, even when the external meatus is compromised, by a superiorly based preauricular (SBPA) perforator flap, transferred in a subdermal tunnel.