Nasal lining flaps in contemporary reconstructive rhinoplasty

The advances that have taken place in the last decade in reconstructive rhinoplasty are based in strong major on the development of internal lining mucosal flaps used to resurface the interior of reconstructed full thickness nasal defects. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of these thin well vascularized flaps harvested from the remaining mucosa and vestibular skin of the nasal passage. They provide the foundation which is overlaid with cartilage grafts to replace skeletal support and covering flaps to resurface the grafts. This contemporary concept of layered reconstruction, replacing missing tissue with like tissue has revolutionized the approach to reconstructive rhinoplasty and has raised it to a higher level of sophistication resulting in enhancement in aesthetic and functional results.