Treatment of Unwanted Hair in Auricular Reconstruction

ABSTRACT

In many microtia patients, the hairline is lower than ideal. Despite this, it is essential to position the reconstructed ear in the correct place. Here is a series of tips and tricks to deal with unwanted hair on the skin that covers an autogenous tissue reconstruction. Replacement of the skin with a fascial flap and skin graft remains the mainstay of treatment for a very-low-hairline case. Surgical removal of hair on the helical rim during the release procedure is also described. Laser depilation, surgical electrolysis, and even shaving techniques are also discussed.

KEYWORDS

Hair - ear reconstruction - temporoparietal fascial flap - laser depilation - electrolysis - microtia - anotia - neonatal ear splinting or molding

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