Cartilage Removal Prior to Skin Grafting in the Triangular Fossa, Antihelix, and Concha of the Ear

A skin graft needs a good vascular supply to survive and to thrive. During the first 24-48 h in the postoperative period, a graft survives by diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from the plasma. Neovascularization then occurs as early as 48-72 h, often initially by inosculation (attachment of capillaries in the recipient bed to the severed capillaries in the graft). Subsequently, granulation tissue forms under the graft, providing further nourishment and establishing the reattachment of the graft to the underlying tissue.