Ear

Close-Up: Surgical Hole After Skin Cancer Removal

Close-up: Plastic Surgical Reconstruction by Dr Hussain

Close-up: Long Term Result

Surgical Hole After Skin Cancer Removal:
This patient was referred to me to deal with a skin cancer on the upper ear. A large wound with exposed cartilage resulted after Mohs surgery – remember this is the smallest hole that was needed to remove the cancer.

Plastic Surgical Reconstruction by Dr Hussain:
Ear reconstruction is always challenging especially if the patient wears glasses or has a hearing aid. It is important that the method used for reconstructing the ear still allows these things to occur. Because the cartilage was exposed it is very likely that a skin graft would not have survived. I therefore folded the remaining skin from the back of the ear, over to cover the cartilage. I then used the laxity of the earlobe to swing the bottom of the ear round to meet up at the top. This is known as a helical rim advancement flap.

Long Term Result:
The patient was delighted that the size and shape of his ear had been maintained after the surgery. From my viewpoint, I was very pleased with the outcome also.