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Reconstruction of nasal alar defects
B P Driscoll1, S R Baker, B P Drisco
1Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery, University of Michigan Health Center, 199900 Haggerty Rd, Suite 103, Livonia, MI 48152, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction of the nasal alar subunit using free cartilage grafts with an interpolated cheek or forehead flap and a vascularized mucosal flap when required.
Setting:
University-based facial plastic surgery practice.
Patients:
A case series of 50 patients with primary alar defects undergoing nasal alar reconstruction.
Main Outcome Measures:
Observer's and patient's rating of the final results, patient's rating of breathing and level of self-consciousness, and medical record review of complications.
Results:
Most aesthetic outcomes were excellent to good. Breathing from the reconstructed side can be returned to preoperative status in most of these patients.
Conclusion:
Staged reconstruction of the nasal ala using free cartilage grafts, interpolated cheek or forehead and mucosal flaps when necessary, result in a highly aesthetic and functional outcome in most patients.