A Unique Case of Modifying an Old Extended Spreader Costal Graft into a Supportive Structure in a Nasal Alar Reconstructive Surgery – A Case Report

Abstract

A ten-year-old reconstruction surgery of a total nasal dorsum defect on the right nose involves a medial arm flap and self-rib cartilage, complicated into fibrous tissue retraction, which caused nostril narrowing and asymmetry. This complication was corrected using a combination of a nasolabial flap for a skin coverage and a modified, old rib cartilage graft to create a supportive rim for the newly reconstructive right nasal ala. There is controversy about the advantage of auricular cartilage versus costal cartilage with a gap in academic studies. However, in this case, costal cartilage has shown significant benefits that helped patients to gain the best functional and aesthetic results. In addition, the modification of an old nasal graft for another function is a unique spotlight in our case. Therefore, we report a case about using an old nasal graft for an alternative function, as well as the observed results from the first-stage of this procedure.