Obtaining auricular cartilage for reconstructive surgery.

Abstract

The cartilage in the scaphoid fossa between the helix laterally and the antihelix medially provides excellent underlying support for soft-tissue eyelid and nasal reconstruction. After subcutaneous infiltration anesthesia is administered through both the anterior and posterior auricular skin, an incision is made along the posterior rim of the helix. A dissection plane between the perichondrium and skin exposes the cartilage. The cartilage is removed without incising the anterior skin surface. This technique is particularly useful in cicatricial entropion, upper or lower eyelid retraction, eyelid reconstruction, and socket reconstruction.