Ear lobule is the lowest, soft portion of ear where people get piercing for wearing jewelry. Ear lobule defects are usually present by birth in association with microtia (small ear) or can present after trauma or any tumor removed from lobule. 

Lobule has no cartilage but its reconstruction usually requires cartilage so that its reconstructed shape can be maintained. Soft tissue for lobules is taken from the adjacent cheek or behind the ear.

In one of such procedures, thin, flat cartilage obtained from nasal septum is suitable for lobule. Cartilage is placed beneath cheek/retro auricular (behind the ear) skin in the first stage. In the second stage, an incision is made around cartilage graft & flap is advanced beneath the earlobe.

Another procedure is called Limberg flap in which skin and soft tissue is taken from cheek to re-shape lobule without cartilage support.

These procedures are done as day care under local or general anesthesia. Suture are removed in 5-7 days after follow up evaluation. Wound healed in 2 weeks, after healing scar therapy is advised.

FAQ

1. What are the causes of lobule defect?

Lobule defect may present by birth or result from trauma or as a result of removal of any tumor from it.

2. How long is the duration of surgery?

It can take 1 to 2 hours

3. Is hospitalization required?

Majority of these cases are done as day care and no hospitalization is required

4. Does surgery require anesthesia

Surgery is usually done under local anesthesia by injecting a local anesthetic agent in the lobule and cheek area to make them numb.

 

Written by :  Dr. Fahmina

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons