A new method for total reconstruction of the nose: the ears as donor areas.
The concha of the ear appears to be the best donor site for total nasal reconstruction, no matter what the cause of the loss of the nose. The advantages of the technique are as follows: (1) The skin is of the same color, texture, and thickness as that of a normal nose. (2) The osteocartilaginous framework is automatically provided by the conchal cartilage and a bony strut when required. (3) The lining is also an integral part of the flaps and does not require another source. (4) The nostrils are of good size and the patient breathes normally. (5) The ears from which the concha has been removed keep their normal shape, size, and appearance, and are only slightly flatter than normal. Replacement of the concha by a skin graft does not change its cosmetic appearance.
D004431:Ear, External / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation