Earlobe Reconstruction Using a Subcutaneous Island Pedicle Flap after Resection of “Earlobe Keloid”

BACKGROUND: A large keloid of the earlobe is a difficult case in which to obtain a satisfying result by nonsurgical therapies. In this case, surgical resection of keloids should be considered as a first step in therapy. However, it is difficult to reconstruct the earlobe cosmetically after resection of the lesion. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the usefulness of the subcutaneous island pedicle flap in earlobe keloid surgery. METHODS: Five earlobe keloids in five patients (four females and one male) were resected and reconstructed by subcutaneous island pedicle flap. RESULTS: In all patients, there were no keloid recurrences and no adjuvant therapies used during the follow-up periods, which ranged from 10 to 26 months. The reconstructed earlobes were almost symmetrical. CONCLUSION: In the selected cases, use of the subcutaneous island pedicle flap is a viable method to be considered for reconstruction after resection of earlobe keloids.