Improvement in nasal reconstruction with an expanded forehead flap from an aesthetical point of view

Abstract

Objective To investigate the operative methods and merits of nasal reconstruction in terms of the aesthetics. Methods The noses of 12 patients were reconstructed with an expanded triangle-shaped forehead flap with unilateral supratrochlear artery, a skin expander was placed obliquely under galea aponeurotica of forehead. Liquid was injected with conventional expansion method. Using the skin and the scars on nasal dorsum and tip as lining, based on intercanthal distance and aesthetic standard, a triangle-shaped forehead myocutane-ous flap was designed over the expanded forehead skin tissue and used for a nasal reconstruction. The triangle- shaped flap was trimmed to different layer and reshaped based on aesthetic subunit. Results In twelve post-operative patients with nasal defect, no flap necrosis was found and the appearance of reconstructed noses were almost normal and satisfactory after follow-up for 6 months to 2 years. Conclusion The modified forehead myocutaneous flap according to aesthetic standard is safe and ideal for major nasal reconstruction. Meticulous moulding of triangle-shaped flap, nose interior with good blood supply, and primary insertion of nose stretcher are the key to a satisfactory appearance. Key words: Nose reconstruction ; Forehead flap ; Expander