RECONSTRUCTION OF A FACIAL DEFECT USING THE EAR PINNA AS A COMPOSITE FLAP

A four-month-old, female pit bull was evaluated for multiple, resolvin g, second- and third-degree burn wounds, The convex surface of the lef t pinna was severely burned and distorted. Contraction of a large (6 c m by 4 cm), facial cutaneous defect had resulted in contracture of sur rounding normal skin and dorsal displacement of both upper eyelids. De creased ability to blink predisposed the puppy to exposure keratitis. The cutaneous facial defect was repaired using the left pinna as a com posite skin flap. Surgery resulted in a successful repair of the defec t and immediate return of normal eyelid function.