Split-Thickness Versus Full-Thickness Skin Grafting for Auricular Reconstruction After Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Excision: A Retrospective, SingleCenter Cohort Study

Background and Objective: Non-melanoma skin cancer frequently affects the ear, where reconstruction is challenged by limited local tissue availability.Skin grafting is a simple and reliable option, but the choice between full-thickness (FTSG) and split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) varies in clinical practice.This study aimed to compare outcomes following auricular reconstruction using these two techniques.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center cohort study of 141 patients who underwent auricular reconstruction after excision of non-melanoma skin cancer between January 2022 and December 2024.Patients received either a STSG or a FTSG.Graft take, surgical characteristics, and postoperative complications were compared between the two graft types.Results: STSG showed higher graft take than FTSG (90.0%vs 78.9%; mean difference 11.0%, 95% CI 0.6-21.5;P=.04).Complication rates did not differ significantly between groups.Conclusion: STSG provided comparable and possibly higher graft take, while complication rates were comparable between techniques.