Conchal Cartilage Harvest (Postauricular Approach)

The Problem

A predictable source of autogenous graft is commonly needed in almost all revision rhinoplasties and many complicated primary nose surgeries.

The Background

Conchal cartilage is one the oldest known sources of autogenous cartilage graft. It easily provides a considerable amount of cartilage with no considerable change in ear appearance. The harvested auricular graft may be fashioned for different uses in tip plasty with some very simple preparations, such as crushing, feathering, and dicing. It may also be utilized in various other indications. Conchal cartilage is frequently compared to other sources of autogenous grafts. Some recent studies show that conchal cartilage has ideal mechanical properties for rhinoplasty. It seems that many historically mentioned limitations are overstated and conchal cartilage may be the first choice in many secondary and some primary aesthetic nose surgeries.

Postauricular incision provides a wide and safe access to the conchal bowl, whereas mastoid fascia that is commonly used in rhinoplasty can easily be approached from the same incision line.