Variations in Frontonasal Flap Design for Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Nasal Tip

Single-stage reconstruction of the nasal tip using frontonasal flaps yields variable results. Variations in flap design were used to optimize outcome.

Consecutive nasal tip reconstructions using frontonasal flaps performed by the author during a 6-year period were studied retrospectively. Patients were followed up clinically and charts were reviewed for defect size, vertical orientation (tip versus supratip), and horizontal orientation (central versus lateral). Surgical reports and digital photographs were evaluated for flap design that was adapted to the defect, individual anatomy, and the nasal subunit concept. Flaps were classified by size (standard versus extended), proximal scar configuration (angular versus curved), and distal scar configuration (straight versus stairstep). Surgical complications and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated.

Twenty-nine frontonasal flaps were performed in 16 female and 13 male patients with a mean age of 73 years. The average defect diameter was 2 cm. The average surface area was 4 cm. Primary defects were located at the tip in 22 cases and the supratip in seven cases, with 19 being lateral and 10 being central. Standard flaps were chosen in 13 patients and extended flaps in 16 patients. Proximal scar configuration was angular in 20 cases and curved in nine cases. Distals scar configuration was straight in 21 patients and stairstep in eight cases. Minor flap complications occurred in eight patients. Outcome was rated good to excellent in 97 percent of patients.

Aesthetically pleasing single-stage reconstruction of the nasal tip is attainable using an anatomically based approach to frontonasal flap design.

Therapeutic, IV.