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The Nasolabial Flap in Nose Reconstruction: Tips and Tricks Towards Expanded Usage and Optimized Cosmesis
Silvia Cozzi1, Denis Codazzi2, Mario Cherubino1
1Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Plastic Surgery (Oakville, Ont.)
|November 4, 2024
Summary
The nasolabial flap is a versatile option for nasal reconstruction, suitable for various defects beyond small alar ones. Refined techniques allow its use in single-stage reconstructions for larger and multi-subunit nasal defects.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The nose is a critical facial aesthetic element, and defects can cause significant deformity.
- Forehead flaps are traditional but involve multiple steps and scarring.
- Nasolabial flaps offer single-step reconstruction with concealed scarring, traditionally for small defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and expanded application of the nasolabial flap for nasal reconstruction.
- To present techniques for utilizing nasolabial flaps in complex and larger nasal defects.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 378 nasal reconstructions using nasolabial flaps (May 2005 - Dec 2021).
- Defect classification using Burget's subunit principle and the 3-component approach.
- Detailed reporting and analysis of reconstruction features and surgical techniques.
Main Results:
- Nasolabial flaps were used in 378 patients for various nasal defects, including multisubunit defects.
- Reconstructions were intended as single-stage procedures.
- The flap proved effective for all nasal subunits and larger defects when combined with other techniques.
Conclusions:
- The nasolabial flap can be effectively applied to a wider range of nasal defects than previously thought.
- Careful preoperative planning and refined surgical techniques are key to successful reconstruction.
- Tips and tricks for flap design, harvesting, sculpting, and defect management are presented.
