A costal cartilage graft is one of the most useful materials in reconstruct
ive plastic surgery. In this article, a technique of in situ split costal c
artilage graft harvesting through a small incision (2 to 3 cm) using a goug
e is described. The technique used has many advantages: it is a simple tech
nique, is easy to learn, and can be performed quickly through a small incis
ion. By avoiding complete costal cartilage graft harvesting, the associated
potential complications such as pleural perforation, chest wall deformitie
s, long-lasting postoperative pain, and incisional scar length are reduced.
This technique will be useful in selected cases for which a complete block
of costal cartilage graft is not needed.