ABSTRACT
Introduction Acquired ear deformities are usually the result of trauma, burns, or ablative skin
cancer operations. Reconstruction of these deformities is primarily an aesthetic en deavor. Nevertheless, seemingly minor deformities can cause significant patient anxi ety and concern. Auricular deformities can be divided into defects of the helical rim, upper third, middle third and lower third of the ear. Defects o f the upper ear com plicate the use of eyewear, but they are more easily camouflaged by hair. Defects of the lower ear are harder to hide and thus, more aesthetically important. Unfortu nately, these defects are also the hardest to reconstruct well. Despite many variations in ear anatomy, there are several consistent landmarks shown in Figure 30.1.
