Surgical importance of the posterior auricular ligament when harvesting ear cartilage in rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty in Asian patients has been greatly advanced overall and in terms of specific associated techniques over the past few decades [1]. In most Asian patients, autologous graft materials are necessary to augment or change the shape of the nose [2,3]. Among autologous graft materials, ear cartilage is most frequently used due to its efficiency and safety. However, instability of the auricular framework may arise as a form of donor site morbidity after the harvest of ear cartilage. This instability makes it difficult for patients to wear face masks or insert earphones [4,5]. Of the parts of the ear cartilage, the cymba, cavum, and tragus are generally used, and these are perceived to be the main components that account for auricular stability. The harvest of additional ear cartilage is sometimes unavoidable, even in patients with histories of multiple ear Daekwan Chi, Seokui Lee, Jae-Hee Kim, Taek-Kyun Kim, Jae-Yong Jeong, Sunje Kim, Sang-Ha Oh