Nose Reconstruction Using Local and Regional Flaps: The Challenges and Advantages

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Facial Aesthetics

Background:

• The nose is a critical midface structure, vital for facial aesthetics.
• Reconstructing the nose's complex three-dimensional (3D) structure presents challenges.
• Abundant local vascularity and surrounding tissues are advantageous for soft tissue reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cosmetic outcomes of nasal soft tissue reconstruction.
• To assess patient acceptability of reconstructions using local and regional flaps.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 15 patients undergoing nasal soft tissue reconstruction with local or regional flaps (Jan 2017-Dec 2018).
• Exclusion criteria included free flaps or skin grafts.
• Patients rated cosmetic acceptability and donor site cosmesis at 3-6 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Fifteen cases (9 male, 6 female; age 7-65) were analyzed.
• Trauma was the leading cause of deformity (33.3%), followed by post-malignancy excision defects.
• All patients reported satisfaction, except one with a composite graft experiencing hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions:

• Nasal reconstruction is crucial for both function and cosmesis.
• Despite 3D complexity, local and regional flaps offer favorable outcomes.
• Adherence to reconstruction principles ensures good results; tissue expansion is an option for larger defects.