Reconstruction of the conchal bowl

The auricular concha is derived from the cleft ectodermal tissue of the first branchial groove. Deformities of the concha may result from congenital malformations, traumatic injury, or oncological resection. Although multiple studies have demonstrated the negative psychosocial effect of auricular deformity, various surgical techniques have been developed to reconstruct the ear and obtain satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Reconstruction of the concha will largely depend on depth and size of the overall defect with options largely varying among secondary intention, skin grafting, and soft tissue flaps.