Donor site morbidity of the posterior conchal region.
BACKGROUND
The perichondral cutaneous graft (PCCG) from the posterior conchal region is an elegant solution for the coverage of facial defects with particular stability requirements. The donor defect can easily be covered with a transposition flap from the postauricular region. Although this region is a common donor site for skin grafts and has an important supporting function for glasses or hearing aids, little is known about long-term morbidity after graft harvest.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the morbidity of the posterior concha and the postauricular region in terms of pain, scar formation, and patient satisfaction.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 16 patients who had a PCCG harvested from the posterior concha.


RESULTS
Two patients presented with a postoperative wound dehiscence on the postauricular region and one with a keloid scar on the posterior concha. One case of transitory hyperesthesia and pain when sleeping on the operated site was observed. None had complaints related to wearing glasses or hearing aids.


CONCLUSIONS
Donor site morbidity of the postauricular and posterior conchal region is minimal and associated with high patient satisfaction, excellent aesthetic results, and emotional detachment from the hidden donor site.
Erba
Paolo
P
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. erbapaolo@hotmail.com
Wettstein
Reto
R
D'Arpa
Salvatore
S
Kalbermatten
Daniel F
DF
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000601:surgery*