Composite Grafts in Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Abstract

Composite grafts, when properly used, provide suitable tissues for the repair of certain troublesome facial defects. The following general principles are suggested for the use of composite grafts. No part of the graft should be more than 1 cm away from the edges of the repaired defect. In preparing the recipient site, all local pathology and scar tissue should be removed and complete hemostasis should be obtained. Gentle handling of the graft is mandatory. The graft should be sutured into place by careful plastic technique immediately upon its removal from the donor area. If a dressing is utilized, it must not impair the graft's circulation. Facial structures which have been partially or completely reconstructed with composite grafts Include the nose, ears, eyebrows, lips, and the facial skin with its underlying soft tissue.