The use of multicartilage composite grafts to repair wounds of the lower third of the nose.

The use of multicartilage composite grafts to repair surgical wounds of the lower third of the nose (ala nasi and tip) is described. These differ from the classic composite ear graft in three respects: First, the skin portion of the graft is removed separately from the cartilage permitting the operator to select the donor site that matches the nose best. Second, the cartilage, instead of being a single piece, is divided into small units allowing for more uniform reconstruction of cartilaginous portions of the nose. Third, larger composite grafts can be constructed safely by this technique than heretofore considered possible by the conventional method. The results of the multicartilage composite graft in eight patients is assessed. The implications for their healing by the bridging phenomenon is discussed.