Reconstruction of nasal tip using auricular cartilage to prevent depression following midline partial maxillectomy: A report of two cases.

Midline partial maxillectomy involving anterior nasal spine and septum in patients with maxillary carcinoma can result in postoperative depression of the nasal column and apex, even when a maxillary prosthesis is used. We encountered patients who developed significant nasal column and tip depression following surgery. To address this issue, we performed nasal septum reconstruction using auricular cartilage. Auricular cartilage was harvested bilaterally, and two grafts were stacked and transplanted into the nasal septal defect. After surgery, the transplanted cartilage became covered with mucosa, and the nasal column and apex were maintained without any signs of depression. This reconstruction technique represents a useful method for preventing nasal deformity in patients undergoing midline partial maxillectomy.