Repair of partial and complete earlobe clefts: a review of 21 methods.

BACKGROUND

Partially or completely spilt earlobes are a common reason for patient presentation to the cosmetic surgeon.

METHODS

In this article, we review the different techniques of repairing both partial and complete cleft earlobes.

RESULTS

We review and illustrate 4 methods to repair a partial cleft earlobe and 17 methods to correct a complete cleft earlobe. In addition, preoperative, intraoperative, and follow-up photographs are shown on several examples.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlobe clefts may be repaired by various techniques. While advantages and disadvantages exist for each method, the surgeon should be familiar with categorizing the cleft, choosing a repair, and deciding whether to repierce the earlobe intra- or postoperatively.