Procedure of ear reconstruction by dilatation method

The mastoid skin expansion method has become one of the most commonly used methods of auricular reconstruction due to the advantages of adequate skin source, hidden scar, and stable long-term results of the reconstructed auricle. The surgery is performed in three stages: Stage I, expander implantation, where the expander is surgically implanted into the mastoid area behind the ear. Water injection is started one week after the surgery and is completed two to three times a week for one month. After the completion of water injection, continuous expansion is required for 1-3 months. In the second stage, auricular reconstruction, rib cartilage is taken for sculpting the ear support, and then the upper expanded skin is utilized as the skin on the front of the reconstructed auricle, and the lower expanded skin is used to cover the trauma on the back of the reconstructed ear, completing the reconstruction of the auricle. This phase of the surgery requires hospitalization and the hospital stay is about 7-10 days. In the third stage, after resting for about 6-12 months after the second stage of surgery, the third stage of surgery will be performed after the reconstructed auricle is basically stable and the scar is softened. The main purpose is to perform earlobe transposition, auricular cavity and ear screen reconstruction to make the reconstructed ear more perfect and realistic.