Skin Cancer · Reconstruction by site

Ear Reconstruction

Ears collect decades of sun and are a favourite site for both BCC and SCC. Repairing them means rebuilding a complex, cartilage-framed structure that has to hold glasses, hearing aids and its own shape.

The challenge

Thin skin over living cartilage

The ear's skin is thin and tightly bound to its cartilage framework — there is no spare tissue to borrow locally, and exposed cartilage will not accept a simple graft. Repairs must respect blood supply, keep the helical rim smooth, and preserve the ear's projection from the head.

Techniques

From wedge to staged repair

Wedge excision — for rim tumours: a full-thickness segment is removed and the ear closed, slightly smaller but naturally shaped
Helical advancement flaps — mobilising the rim to resurface defects while keeping a smooth contour
Skin grafts — for defects with an intact cartilage bed
Staged flaps — for larger defects, borrowing skin from behind the ear over two procedures

Ear reconstruction is generally performed under general anaesthesia; sedation or, in selected cases, local anaesthetic alone may be appropriate. Glasses and hearing aids can usually be worn again within a few weeks, and Dr Kim plans around them.

Common questions

Ear reconstruction questions

Will my ear look smaller?

After a wedge excision the ear can be slightly smaller, but it keeps its natural shape — a difference rarely noticed by others, especially as ears are seldom seen side by side.

Can I wear my glasses or hearing aid afterwards?

Usually within a few weeks, depending on the repair site. Tell Dr Kim what you wear at consultation — it genuinely influences the reconstructive plan.

Why can't a graft just be placed over the defect?

Grafts need a vascular bed. Bare cartilage doesn't provide one, which is why flap techniques are often needed on the ear.

Is ear reconstruction painful?

Discomfort is usually modest and well controlled with simple analgesia; most patients are surprised how manageable recovery is.

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Next step

Enquiries & referrals

Consultations in Sydney CBD and North Sydney. Referrals from GPs, dermatologists and Mohs surgery specialists welcome. Phone 1300 911 151.

Make an enquiry