Chondrodermal graft reconstruction of the lower eyelid

A method of reconstruction of the lower eyelid is described, using a post-auricular composite graft of skin and cartilage. It is a relatively simple one-stage operation. The cartilage replaces the missing tarsal plate and supports the overlying skin. Clinical observations confirm a remarkable nutritional relationship between the overlying soft tissues and the underlying cartilage. This technique has important potential applications elsewhere in the body.