Repair of partial and complete earlobe clefts: a review of 21 methods.

BACKGROUND: Partially or completely spilt earlobes are a common reason for patient presentation to the cosmetic surgeon. METHODS: In this article, we review the different techniques of repairing both partial and complete cleft earlobes. RESULTS: We review and illustrate 4 methods to repair a partial cleft earlobe and 17 methods to correct a complete cleft earlobe. In addition, preoperative, intraoperative, and follow-up photographs are shown on several examples. CONCLUSIONS: Earlobe clefts may be repaired by various techniques. While advantages and disadvantages exist for each method, the surgeon should be familiar with categorizing the cleft, choosing a repair, and deciding whether to repierce the earlobe intra- or postoperatively.