Malformations of the external ear are known to cause cosmetic1,2 and psychological disturbances3 with numerous etiologies ranging from burns, cancer, trauma and congenital defects. Physical aberrations of the ear have been reported as a significant factor in limiting social integration4 and plastic surgeons have used various operative techniques to correct them. Ear reconstruction, however, has been historically very challenging5,6 owing to the need to reconstruct the complex nature of the ear’s shape. Currently, surgeons use costal cartilage grafts to recreate the ear’s framework. However, this approach causes donor site morbidity7 as well as requiring extensive surgical expertise8–10. In addition, the histological make up of elastic cartilage differs to costal cartilage11 and this influences the mechanical properties with the auricular elastic cartilage possessing a higher degree of flexibility12. This is due to its extracellular matrix (ECM) possessing a high density of elastic fibres. Hyaline cartilage however has a rich amorphous gelatinous matrix with a high density of collagen type 2 fibres as well as chondroitin sulphate11. This discrepancy in mechanical properties does not make costal cartilage grafts ideal for ear reconstruction.