Reconstruction of Nose and Adjacent Facial Units With Chimeric Flap Combined of Auricular Free Flap and Radial Forearm Free Flap.

Abstract

Composite full-thickness nasal defects that include adjacent facial units still remain a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The commonly used auricular free flap (AFF) might not be sufficient for full coverage of a defect, and radial forearm free flap (RFFF) lacks the rigid component for nasal framework. Therefore, the authors present a chimeric flap combined of both AFF and RFFF for the reconstruction of extended nasal defects. Auricular free flap enables the restoration of the exact contour of nose, and it preserves similar texture and color of the skin. Moreover, its harvesting results in minimal deformity of donor site. Radial forearm free flap gives the possibility of covering extensive defects of the facial units thanks to its elasticity and long vascular pedicle. The combination of both flaps seems to be an optimal solution for the reconstruction of extended nasal defects, giving satisfactory aesthetic results. Also, it might not require any further corrections, remaining a one-stage procedure.