The Rolling Earlobe Flap for Dilated Ear Holes Following Ear Gauging: A Novel Approach to Aesthetically Preserving Earlobe Soft Tissue Volume

Abstract

Patients are increasingly seeking repair of their earlobes following ear gauging. Research has shown that current repair techniques either excessively reduce the lobular volume or leave an obvious scar along the free edge of the earlobe. In our case series, we describe the use of a novel technique for repairing earlobes following ear gauging using a rolling earlobe flap that preserves the lobular volume and avoids leaving a scar on the free edge of the lobule. The procedure was performed on 3 patients (6 earlobes) who had defects from ear gauging that ranged from 3.0 to 6.5 cm. There were no postoperative complications of infection, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, hypertrophic scars, or keloids, and all patients were highly satisfied with the postoperative results. This versatile technique allows for an aesthetically pleasing reconstruction of the lobule with the advantages of: the absence of a surgical scar on the free edge of the lobule, preserving the lobule volume, and presenting a highly customizable technique that allows lobules to be created with various shapes and volumes.

Repair of gauge earlobe medium defect

“…Generally, punch or primary closure are proposed for minimal defects [8]. Excision with advancement flaps are proposed for large defects [1,2,6,8] and enrolled or folded flaps are used for extra-large defects [3][4][5]7]. But medium deformities are rarely described despite the fact that these are the most frequent of gauge ear-piercing deformities.…”

“…In this article we provide an easy technique for repair of expanded earlobe medium defect with a long-term satisfying result. Erhl [6] Collins [8] Hendersen [1] Arasaratnam [3] Pek [7] Bastazini [4] and Snell [5] Large Defects Extra-Large Defects Medium Defects Zeiderman [10] posterior side De la Sotta [9] Collins [8]…”

“…Surgical techniques for expanded earlobe defect repairs are not well described in existing literature. Moreover, the majority of such papers are focused on large defects [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] rather than medium defects [8][9][10]. In this article we describe a new and simple technique to repair those medium deformations due to ear gauging, which has produced excellent results on the earlobe shape.…”

Keeping Volume and Contour When Reconstructing the Enlarged Earlobe After Gauging

“…Many techniques have been described to solve this deformity. [1][2][3][4] Small defects may be successfully primarily closed. Medium defects may require advancement flaps or wedge excisions.…”

“…In both cases, the defect was described as the Type B earlobe according to the El Kollali R. classification. 5 In the Type A earlobe, the aim should be to preserve the distinctive volume, and the defect could be better treated with techniques aiming to roll or pack the exceeding tissue, 2,4 whereas the Type C earlobes could be successfully reconstructed with techniques, such as primary closing or wedge excision, aiming at restoring the original obtuse angle at the otobasion. 2 None of the 3 corrections performed seemed to have perioperative complications, such as infection, flap necrosis, or wound dehiscence.…”