Aesthetic modification to the rintala flap: a case series

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatologic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Nasal dorsum defects historically repaired based on size and subunit principle.
• A novel technique for nasal dorsum defects (1.5-2.5 cm) is presented.
• Key advantages include preserving nasal subunit integrity and achieving subtle nasal tip rotation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new reconstructive option for nasal dorsum defects.
• To evaluate the aesthetic modification of the Rintala flap for specific defect sizes.
• To highlight the flap's benefits in nasal reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A case series of five patients (aged 49-74) undergoing Mohs excision for nasal dorsum malignancies.
• Defects were reconstructed using the aesthetic modification to the Rintala flap.
• Data collected over a 10-year period by two surgeons.

Main Results:

• Successful reconstruction of nasal dorsum defects ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 cm.
• Preservation of nasal subunit aesthetics was achieved in all cases.
• Integration of subtle nasal tip rotation was observed.

Conclusions:

• The aesthetic modification to the Rintala flap is a viable option for nasal dorsum defects (1.5-2.5 cm).
• This technique is particularly suitable for patients seeking nasal tip rotation.
• Consideration of this flap is recommended for specific nasal reconstruction scenarios.