The axial frontonasal flap revisited

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Large skin defects of the nose present significant reconstructive challenges.
• Existing repair methods may result in tension, distortion, or visible scarring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of the axial frontonasal flap for repairing extensive nasal skin defects.

Main Methods:

• The axial frontonasal flap procedure involves mobilizing nasal skin and adjacent frontal skin.
• The flap is rotated on a vascular pedicle originating from the inner canthi.
• Excess glabellar skin is utilized to cover the defect without tension.

Main Results:

• The axial frontonasal flap demonstrated significant value in 50 cases over 15 years.
• Excellent long-term results were achieved in 26 out of 50 patients.
• Repairs were often hardly visible, with scars well-hidden at the nose periphery.

Conclusions:

• The axial frontonasal flap is a highly effective technique for reconstructing large nasal skin defects.
• This flap offers excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes with good scar concealment.
• The procedure is a valuable addition to the reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium.