The fan flap: an adjunct to ear reconstruction.

The development of a fan-shaped flap of temporal myo-fascia and cranial periosteum for use in construction or reconstruction of the external ear is described. This adjunct to ear reconstruction decreases the incidence of exposure of the framework and does not add operative steps. The flap adds pleasing bulk to the helix while maintaining the delicate contours of the framework. Since we have been using this flap, we have had no early or late exposures of these frameworks.