[Surgical reconstruction of large defects of the nose]

--Skin cancer of the face is the most prevalent type of cancer. The large increase of the incidence of this type of cancer in recent years has resulted in an increase of skin cancer resections in the face. --Nasal defects are the most challenging of these facial defects. Nasal reconstruction requires reconstruction of three tissue layers: the inner mucosal lining, supporting structures (cartilage or bone) and the outer cutaneous lining. --The new inner lining should consist of well-vascularized thin tissue to prevent rejection of cartilage or bone in the supporting layer. For example, septal mucosa or skin can be used in various ways to reconstruct the inner lining. --The new supporting structures, consisting of transplanted cartilage or bone, should be strong enough to prevent contraction of the soft tissues--inner and outer lining--during wound healing. --The outer lining is reconstructed per subunit of the nose, e.g. nostril, ala nasi or ridge of the nose. Usually a paramedian forehead flap is used for the reconstruction of the outer lining.