Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficacy of rhombic subauricular flap in the repair of earlobe defects. Methods A total of 7 cases of earlobe defects were collected during Sept. 2013 and July 2015. According to the size of the defect, full-thickness rhombic flap was designed. The flap was folded with the short diagonal as axis, and then the corner of the flap near the defect was sutured with the apex of the lower defect edge. All patients were followed up, the shape of reengineered lobe was observed, and patients’ satisfaction was recorded. Results All flaps survived, and incisions healed in the first stage. During the follow-up of 1 to 12 months(mean 7 months), the contour of the ear was smooth and natural, the shape and position of earlobe was fine, and no distortion or deformation occurred. All operations produced satisfactory results. Conclusion Repairing earlobe defects with rhombic subauricular flap is simple and effective, which can achieve the purpose of decorative repair and reconstruction, and accord with the aesthetic concept of modern plastic surgery.

Key words: Skin flap below the ear, Lobe defect, Scar, Blood supply, Earlobe reconstruction, Folding flap