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Orifice Preserving Double Opposing Z-Plasty for Partial Split Ear Lobe Repair: A Review of 25 Cases

BACKGROUND Surgeons often come across split earlobe (SEL) deformities in their clinical practice which usually result from wearing heavy earrings for a long duration. It is of utmost importance to achieve a satisfactory repair with increased strength in one go. OBJECTIVE To describe a strong repair for partial SEL with preservation of the orifice. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is a retrospective review of 25 patients (36 earlobes), who underwent repair of partial SEL deformity with an orifice preserving double opposing Z-plasty in the hospital, from January 2014 to June 2015. The duration of follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS Adequate cosmetic results were obtained in all patients with no need for revision surgery due to recurrence or scar dehiscence. Patients did not report any difficulty in wearing earrings and were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSION The orifice preserving double opposing Z-plasty technique seems to offer an efficacious method of repair of partial SEL deformity with an acceptable scar. The technique is simple and reproducible with good aesthetic outcomes and minimal complications.