We recently saw a patient here at Clarus Dermatology who needed Mohs surgery to clear a skin cancer on the ear (helical rim). The resulting defect was reasonably broad and fairly deep. In order to restore a preoperative ear shape a helical advancement flap was undertaken and performed by our dermatology providers Dr. Neil Shah.
The flap itself involves separating most of the skin on the back of the ear, dragging it into place, trimming some additional cartilage and removing some redundant skin behind the ear and from the ear lobe. The skin flap is then sutured in place.
As you can see in image III. Two Months Post-Operation, the patient’s ear has healed up and returned to a normal shape and configuration.
