Trilobed flaps for reconstruction of nasal tip defects

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the performance of trilobed flaps for reconstruction of nasal tip defects. Methods Totally, 23 patients with nasal tip defects after tumor resection were enrolled into this study. Skin defects varied from 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm in size. According to the location and size of skin defects, trilobed flaps were designed, and the angle between two lobes ranged from 45° to 50°. The size of the first lobe was approximately equal to that of the skin defect, while the size of the second and third lobes decreased successively. During flap design, the integrity of nasal subunits was sufficiently considered, and the incision lines were placed along the boundary lines of the nasal subunit as far as possible, so as to conceal the incision scar with natural skin folds. Results After the operation, skin flaps survived with primary healing of incisions in all the patients. After 6-24 months of follow up, the color, texture and thickness of flaps were similar to those of their surrounding skin, and incision scars were inconspicuous. No malformation occurred in the nasal ala, nostril, nasal columella or surrounding organs, and satisfactory nasal appearance and function were achieved. Conclusion Trilobed flaps can be used to effectively repair relatively large skin defects of the nasal tip with satisfactory nasal appearance and function. Key words: Carcinoma, basal cell; Surgical flaps; Nasal surgical procedures