Use of the auricular composite graft in nasal reconstruction

Abstract

We present our experience using conchal composite grafts in major and minor nasal reconstruction. We believe that composite grafts have an important and under-utilized role as an adjunct to the paramedian forehead flap on total and subtotal nasal reconstruction, as well as in providing an internal lining and support in stenosis of the nasal vestibule. The use of a composite conchal graft as an inner lining and support is often preferential to a septal composite or hinge flap that often results in a septal perforation with its associated morbidity. We recognize that a composite conchal graft used for reconstruction of the alar margin provides a suboptimal result after several months. This is because it is not always possible to replace a whole aesthetic subunit and whilst the site the graft is harvested from often allows the correct contour to be chosen, the quality of skin is often different and this can be seen after several weeks when any post-operative oedema has settled.