[Rieger-Marchac flaps: Complications and patient satisfaction]

Area of Science:

• Dermatologic Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Dorsal nasal flaps are utilized in reconstructive surgery.
• Surgical procedures, including dorsal nasal flaps, carry risks of early and late complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgical complications and cosmetic outcomes of dorsal nasal flaps.
• To assess outcomes over a 7-year period in an academic setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data collection from January 2006 to December 2013.
• Inclusion of patients who underwent dorsal nasal flap procedures.
• Recording of early and late complications and assessment of long-term outcomes via phone contact.

Main Results:

• 35 patients were included in the study.
• Early complications included bleeding, infection, and flap necrosis.
• Late complications involved flap thickening, medial canthus restriction, and telangiectasia, affecting one-third of patients. Two-thirds reported satisfaction with aesthetic results, though some required corrective surgery.

Conclusions:

• One-third of patients experienced late complications following dorsal nasal flap repair.
• A majority of patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.
• Informed consent should include discussion of potential corrective measures for patients undergoing Rieger-Marchac procedures.