The AIRNS flap: An alternative to the bilobed flap for the repair of defects of the distal nose

Abstract

Defects of the distal nose and nasal tip are inherently challenging to reconstruct. Although the bilobed flap has a pivotal role for the closure of such defects to achieve a satisfactory outcome, it demands meticulous planning and execution. We sought to present our experience of the advancement and inferior rotation of the nasal sidewall (AIRNS) flap as a possible alternative to the bilobed flap for reconstruction of the distal nose. All patients who underwent AIRNS repair after Mohs tumor extirpation of the nose at 2 regional skin cancer units since April 2011 were reviewed. In all, 45 patients underwent the AIRNS flap repair. There were 25 men and 20 women, with a mean age of 70 years (range 41-88). The average defect size was 1.2 × 1.2 cm. The majority of cases involved the nasal tip. A single case of postoperative infection occurred in a smoker, which resolved without any long-term sequelae. No cases of flap necrosis or nasal airflow obstruction were seen. All cases produced good or excellent cosmetic results. Because of blunting of the superior alar crease, which may be avoided in a bilobed repair, the AIRNS flap is best avoided in laterally based defects of the nasal alar. The AIRNS flap is a reliable, single-stage closure option that, in our opinion, is simpler in design and execution compared with the bilobed flap and thus adds to the reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium when faced with centrally located defects of the distal nose.