Use of large composite grafts in the reconstruction of deformities of the nose and ear.

The authors present six cases of nose reconstruction and four ear repairs using large composite grafts. The post-auricular area is the best donor site. Very large composite grafts can be taken and in one patient a composite graft of 30 sq cm was successfully transferred. The surgical technique should be as atraumatic as possible in order to preserve intact the transplanted vascular tissue in the graft and in the recipient bed. An important feature of this surgical manoeuvre is the modified post-operative dressing technique that is described in detail.