How to harvest the maximal amount of conchal cartilage grafts.

SUMMARY: Using the conchal cartilage as a graft has been widely accepted, but the deformities that can result have been underestimated. The deformities range from a visible scar to the total collapse of the ear framework. A simplified technique of harvesting the maximal amount of the conchal cartilage graft is suggested, based on the results of 16 consecutive cases. The technique involved (1) using a postauricular incision to minimise visible scars, (2) harvesting the entire cymba concha and cavum concha separately, with at least 5mm of the helical crus, leaving a lateral extension as a strut between them, as well as a 2mm outer rim along the conchal wall, and (3) by using a tie-over bolster dressing that can serve as a mould for the conchal bowl. This technique has been used on 16 patients with neither contour irregularity nor any deformity, from a case of a step deformity to the total collapse of the ear.