Cosmetic results of reconstruction of full thickness nasal alar defects using cheek skin flaps

Abstract

Objective: to analyze cosmetic results following reconstruction of nasal alar defects using cheek skin flaps. Material and methods. The results of 29 operations were analyzed. The reconstruction was performed with nasolabial flaps and jigsaw puzzle flaps. The cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by the five-point scale by means of patient-report and specialist-report questionnaire. Results. Acceptable overall outcomes were achieved in 22 cases according to the experts’ assessment and in 24 cases according to the patients’ assessment. The highest scores were noted for alar color and position, and the lowest scores - for alar size, shape, and nostril size. The complication rate was 11.1 %. Delayed surgical corrections were undertaken in 10 patients. Conclusion. The reconstruction of full thickness nasal alar defects using cheek skin flaps made it possible to achieve acceptable outcomes with minimal donor site damage in the majority of the patients.