Partial Ear Reconstruction Using Septal Cartilage Graft and Skin Expansion

Acquired ear deformities can arise from various causes, including trauma, burns, cancer resection, and animal bites. This article presents a case of delayed ear reconstruction in a 30-year-old Caucasian female who suffered a traumatic partial ear amputation of the middle helix due to a horse bite. The reconstruction involved a 3-step surgical procedure: implantation of a tissue expander, reconstruction using an autologous septal cartilage graft, and recreation of the retroauricular sulcus. The tissue expander was inserted through a small incision, and inflation was performed over several weeks to create adequate skin coverage. Following the expansion, septoplasty was conducted to resect the deviated septum, and the cartilage was secured and covered with the expanded skin flap. A skin graft was later harvested from the inguinal groove to enhance the retroauricular sulcus. The postoperative period was uneventful, resulting in a satisfactory and stable outcome. This case highlights the effectiveness of using septal cartilage grafts and tissue expansion as viable options for delayed partial ear reconstruction, particularly in cases where traditional methods may pose higher risks of complications.