Full-thickness Nasal Defects Research Articles

Full Thickness Nasal Reconstruction With Paired Pericranial and Paramedian Forehead Flaps.

The reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects poses a significant challenge following oncologic resection. This study aims to share a technique using paired pericranial forehead flap (PCF) with contralateral paramedian flap (PMF) for such defects. Patient outcomes were reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of the reconstructive technique are discussed. A retrospective review of a single surgeon practice was done between 2019 and 2024. Cases of nasal reconstruction with a paired PCF and PMF following oncologic resection were reviewed. Defect characteristics, reconstructive technique, and postoperative complications were evaluated. A literature review summarizing the evolution of this technique from inception to April 2024 was conducted using PubMed. The literature review identified 7 reports describing the use of a paired PCF and PMF for nasal reconstruction. The modifications and enhancements described in each study are summarized. The case series included 13 patients requiring oncologic resection for squamous cell carcinoma (8 patients) or basal cell carcinoma (5 patients). Every case required reconstruction of at least 2 nasal subunits, primarily involving the nasal tip, alae, and columella. Reconstruction was performed with the ipsilateral PCF, contralateral PMF, and structural grafts. Auricular cartilage grafts were universally used for structural support, with additional costal cartilage grafts and a split calvaria bone graft in select cases. The technique showed good functional and esthetic outcomes without any notable graft failures or donor site complications. The combination of an ipsilateral PCF and contralateral PMF is an effective strategy for reconstructing full-thickness nasal defects involving multiple nasal subunits.

Three-Layer Reconstruction of a Full-Thickness Nasal Alar Defect after Basal-Cell Carcinoma Removal

Restoring the integrity of the external nose presents a complex surgical challenge due to its three-dimensional structure and subunit divisions. The most frequent causes of nasal defects include basal or squamous cell carcinoma, animal bites and trauma. The reconstruction approach varies depending on factors such as the defect’s size, the affected subunit of the nose, the condition and quality of the surrounding tissues and the surgeon’s expertise. Commonly employed surgical techniques for nasal reconstruction include the forehead flap, nasolabial flap, Rieger flap, bilobed flap, and free autologous skin graft. We present a clinical case of a patient with a full-thickness nasal alar defect who underwent three-layer reconstruction with a combination of an inverted skin flap- for the internal lining, a conchal graft to substitute the missing alar cartilage and a forehead flap for external coverage. One of the challenges of nasal reconstruction surgery is to restore a full-thickness defect, especially the internal nasal lining. We offer a different perspective on this problem, showcasing considerable advantages, as there are limited literature data on this method.

Reconstruction of a Full-Thickness Nasal Defect.

Reconstruction of a Full-Thickness Nasal Defect.

Classification and a decade-long follow-up of rat bite injuries in the nasal region

BackgroundNasal defects due to rat bites are frequently encountered in rural regions of China. In addition to serving as disease vectors, rats can also inflict bite injuries. In this study, we delineated the characteristics of rat bite injuries in the nasal region and discussed the clinical features observed during a 10-year follow-up period. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed hospital records for patients admitted due to rat bites. This study outlines the demographics, clinical features, and follow-up outcomes supported by comprehensive photo documentation of the patients’ progress. ResultsTwenty-five patients, with a mean age of 29 years, were admitted due to rat bites. Treatment was provided for three distinct types of injuries: nasal tip defect (type I), nasal defect (type II), and full-thickness nasal defect with loss of surrounding tissues (type III). All patients recovered fully. ConclusionsThe treatment for rat bites should be based on the wound type. The long-term follow-up outcomes are more favorable when fewer subunits of the nose affected. We recommend early surgical intervention, along with psychological therapy, to prevent interference with growth and development.

Nasal Lining Repair: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Currently, there are limited reviews in the dermatology literature on how to approach reconstruction of nasal lining in full-thickness nasal defects resulting from Mohs micrographic surgery. Given variable training and experience, dermatologic surgeons may seek additional references to help reconstruct certain advanced defects. We sought to synthesize literature from dermatologic surgery, plastic surgery, and otolaryngology to review repair options and considerations for repair of nasal lining defects. To present a comprehensive literature review of repair options for nasal lining reconstruction and discuss advantages, disadvantages, specific anatomic considerations, and techniques to execute such options. Articles from several different reconstructive specialties including dermatologic/Mohs surgery, otolaryngology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery were reviewed. Instructive images were compiled to illustrate several techniques, with additional medical illustration recreations included to help showcase important reconstructive approaches. A comprehensive descriptive review of nasal lining repair options for the reconstructive surgeon. Advanced tumors can result in full-thickness nasal defects, and this review describes various reconstructive options for reconstruction based on the extent of the defect.

Frontal Flaps for Reconstruction of Nasal Defects

Nasal reconstruction is no longer just about filling in a nasal defect, it aims for an aesthetic and functional results. It is a three-dimensional reconstruction, restoring the mucosal plane, the osteo-cartilaginous architecture and the skin coverage to which Burget added a fourth dimension, the aesthetic result. Frontal flaps have been used for a very long time to repair nasal defects. Their popularity is mainly linked to their proximity to the recipient site, their good vascularization and especially the color and texture of the frontal skin which are significantly similar to those of the nasal skin. The frontal flap is the technique of choice in the reconstruction of full-thickness nasal tissue defects. We adopted the reconstruction by frontal flaps for the repair of multiple nasal defects, concerning multiple patients all treated at the plastic and aesthetic surgery department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Tangier over a period of 2 years going from March 2021 to March 2023. The goal of this study is to evaluate its contribution and answer the following question; What are the indications of using frontal flaps, its advantages and limitations in rhinopoiesis? and to draw practical recommendations regarding its use.

Turnover flap variations in the reconstruction of full-thickness nasal ala defects

The nose is a vital organ and an important aesthetic unit, being placed in the middle of the face. It is also one of the most frequently site involved by skin cancer, and surgical reconstruction can be sometimes challenging. We present two cases of full thickness nasal ala defect, managed with turnover flap with and without earlobe cartilage graft.

Le lambeau du muscle frontal greffé : une technique de doublure simple et efficace dans les rhinopoïèses esthétiques transfixiantes de la face latérale du nez

The reconstruction of thin and well-vascularized lining is capital for the aesthetic reconstruction of full thickness nasal defects. The mucosal flaps allow such reconstruction, but their dissections are difficult and not always possible, particularly for large defects of the nasal sidewall unit. The grafted frontalis muscle flap allows easily such lining reconstruction. This technique includes 3 stages, all done under local anaesthesia: 1st stage: a vertical paramedian forehead flap is classically raised and it's undersurface is full thickness skin grafted, it is then repositioned on it's site for 4 weeks; 2nd stage: this flap is raised again and split at the level of fat, just superficial to the muscle, in two flaps: the full thickness skin grafted frontalis muscle flap for the lining; and the forehead flap, without it's frontalis muscle, for the skin coverage; a sculpted cartilaginous graft is inserted between these two flaps and sutured to the lining with the aim of obtaining a symmetrical nasal sidewall and the necessary rigidity to avoid the heminasal collapse during inspiration; 3rd stage: 4 weeks after the second stage, the pedicles of these two flaps are severed. No vascular problems and no infections were seen with this technique in 11 patients operated on for evolved basal cell carcinoma of the nasal sidewall since 2018. The aesthetic results were always very satisfactory without any discomfort during breathing.

Diversity of the free helical rim flap: A case series tailoring the microsurgical technique to esthetically optimize full-thickness nasal defect reconstructions

The free helical rim (FHR) flap offers like-with-like reconstruction for full-thickness nasal defects. A case series of nasal reconstruction using an FHR flap was presented, detailing surgical steps and refinements, as well as functional and esthetic outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort study of composite nasal defect reconstruction with FHR flap from August 2018 to March 2020. Descriptive data were analyzed by SPSS software. Six cases were recruited, four were unilateral alar defects, one was hemi-nose, and one was ala plus tip. The average size of the defect was 2.5×2.8cm2. Three FHR flaps were designed with retrograde pedicles and three with anterograde pedicles. The facial artery and veins were the recipient vessels in all cases. Vascular grafts were used in all six cases. Descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral (DLCxF) artery and vein functioned as interposition vascular conduits in five cases. Superficial forearm vein grafts were used in one case. One patient needed flap re-exploration due to venous congestion. One patient had partial flap necrosis due to delayed infection, and one developed delayed wound dehiscence in the irradiated wound. The average follow-up was 18 months. The FHR flap has consistent vascular anatomy. It can be raised as an anterograde or retrograde flap for a contralateral or ipsilateral inset. FHR flap can be used in extensive composite nasal defects. This case series demonstrates that interposition vascular grafts are invariably needed and the possibility of using forearm vessels as grafts instead of DLCxF artery and vein.

Outcomes, Concepts, Technical Refinements, and Challenges in the Microvascular Repair of Full-Thickness Nasal Defects.

Repair of full-thickness nasal defects may require distant tissue, when local or regional donors are inadequate or unavailable. The authors' microvascular designs, technical details, and complications using a radial forearm flap to restore nasal lining have been described in past publications. In this article, the authors review stages 2 through 5, using a forehead flap and rib grafts to resurface the nose and build a support framework. The authors examine their complications, long-term aesthetic and functional outcomes, clinical refinements, and continuing reconstructive challenges. Thirty-eight full-thickness nasal defects were repaired between 2001 and 2018. Records review identified the type and frequency of complications and their management. Patients were surveyed to determine their overall satisfaction, quality of life, restoration to a normal appearance, donor scars, the value of a late revision, airway function, and need for nasal stents. Postoperative results were classified by independent evaluators as very good, good, fair, and poor. Repair was completed in 35 of 38 patients. Fifty percent of patients returned an anonymous survey; 85% were very satisfied; 75% declared excellent, very good, or good breathing; 75% used stents never/rarely; 95% appeared normal; and 95% would recommend to other patients. An independent review classified the aesthetic results as 94% very good to good, 3% fair, and 3% poor. A folded radial forearm lining flap, a three-stage full-thickness forehead flap for cover, and a late revision can repair difficult nasal defects, as shown in a large series of patients with long-term follow-up. Therapeutic, IV.

The pericranial flap for inner lining of full-thickness nasal defects: a retrospective cohort study

Effective nasal reconstruction requires skin and soft tissue cover, cartilage or bone structure, and mucosal lining. Ideal lining is thin, pliable and vascularised, making reconstruction challenging. This paper presents the first case series with long-term outcomes of pericranial flaps used as inner lining for nasal reconstruction. Patients undergoing paramedial forehead flaps from 2007 to 2019 were identified using second-stage nasal reconstruction billing codes. Patients with pericranial flaps for lining, for whom there were data on resulting outcomes and complications, were identified. Sixty-six patients underwent second-stage nasal reconstruction. Eighteen patients had paramedian forehead and pericranial flaps for inner lining reconstruction. The flap lining had no immediate post-operative complications. Three patients suffered partial to major reconstructive failure post radiotherapy. Other complications included nasal stenosis and orocutaneous fistula. Combined with paramedian forehead flaps, the pericranial flap is reliable as inner lining for nasal reconstruction. It is easily accessible and useful in resections with limited mucosal options.

DermSurgery: A folded nasolabial flap for the reconstruction of a full-thickness nasal alar defect.

DermSurgery: A folded nasolabial flap for the reconstruction of a full-thickness nasal alar defect.

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

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.

Is reconstruction of composite defects of nose and cheek following tumor excision utilizing subunit principle the best?

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Composite defects of nose and cheek are best stage reconstructed with separate nose and cheek flaps to recreate a blended nose-cheek junction, achieved by cheek advancement flap for cheek and forehead flap or local grafts for the nasal defect. This article analyses whether reconstruction of defects utilizing well-known subunit principle is cosmetically the best?</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Case records of fifteen patients of nasal cancers extension into the cheek from January 2011 to December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of fifteen patients 8 were men and 7 women, two patients had SCC, rest had BCC. Average size of defect was 4.5 cm. Modified Imre’s cheek advancement flaps was used in all to reconstruct cheek defects while paramedian forehead flap was used for nasal reconstruction in 13 patients, skin graft and nasal advancement flap in one each. Eight patients underwent single stage reconstruction while seven with full thickness nasal defects had a delayed reconstruction. 13 patients rated their final appearance as satisfactory, while surgeon rated 12 patients with well-blended nose-cheek junction as satisfactory and lateral migration of junction being unsatisfactory. Alar retraction was observed in two patients with full thickness nasal defects. Two patients who underwent inner nasal lining reconstruction developed wound dehiscence while simultaneous reconstruction of nose and cheek was performed.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Subunit principle application for composite nose and cheek results in symmetrical nose-cheek junction and appears excellent technique in achieving a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. Optimal results in full thickness nasal defects are achieved where reconstructing is delayed.</p>

Application of three-staged paramedian forehead flap in reconstruction and repair of full-thickness nasal defect

Objective: To evaluate the application of three-staged paramendian forehead flap technique in reconstruction of severe full-thickness nasal defect. Methods: Clinical data of 7 cases with nasal reconstruction by three-staged forehead flap technique in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and HongKong University Shenzhen Hospital between June 2016 and October 2019 was retrospectively reviewed. All were males aged from 10 to 71 years. There were 4 cases of basal cell carcinoma of the external nose, 2 cases of traumatic nasal defects and 1 case of large rhinophyma. All the operations were performed with the paramedian forehead flap in three stages. In stage Ⅰ, full layered forehead flap was transposed to the nasal detect. Lining flaps were reconstructed with folded forehead skin (n=4), turn-over flap plus septal chondro mucosal pivotal flap (n=2), or bipedicled vestibular skin and nasal mucosa advancement flap (n=1). According to the reconstruction mode of the lining flaps, whether to implant cartilage to reconstruct the external nasal stent at stage Ⅰ was determined. At stage Ⅱ, the folded flaps were partly or completely separated from the covering flaps along the free edges of nasal alar. All the excess soft tissue including subcutaneous fat and frontalis muscle were excised, cartilage grafts were placed or sculpted to make an ideal nasal contour. The covering flaps were then returned on the recontoured, three-dimensional recipient bed. At stage Ⅲ, the pedicles were divided. Descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the data. Results: In all cases, restoration of the nasal contour was remarkably good, no flap necrosis occurred. All patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years, and the appearance and function of the nose recovered well. All patients were satisfied with their final aesthetic results. Conclusions: Three-staged paramedian forehead flap technique ensures maximal blood supply for the lining flap and the inserted cartilage graft, and restores an ideal three-dimensional nasal contour for reconstruction of large full thickness nasal defects.

Use of facial vein graft with vascularized composite auricular helical rim flap for alar rim defects

Nasal alar defects lead to facial disfigurement, and nasal ala reconstruction is an important treatment option. The vascularized composite auricular flap based on the superficial temporal artery is an ideal option for a full-thickness nasal alar defect. However, the pedicle length and the discrepancy in artery diameter between the recipient vessel and flap pedicle continue to be major problems for free auricular composite tissue transfer. Considering that the angular artery is occasionally absent and the course of the infraorbital segment of the facial vein is constant, there are often no suitable vessels around the recipient site for anastomoses to the short pedicle of the flap. In the absence of a suitable recipient artery, an infraorbital segment of the facial vein measuring 2.5cm in length was taken as a graft for the anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and superior labial artery. End-to-end anastomosis was performed easily. The flap was inset to reconstruct the contralateral ala. The facial vein graft for anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and branch of the facial artery is a reliable and easy method to resolve the problem of a short pedicle and large artery discrepancy for nasal ala reconstruction with a vascularized composite helical rim flap.

Modifications of Paramedian Forehead Flap

Introduction Paramedian forehead flap an interpolated flap based on supratrochlear vessels is considered as a workhorse for nasal and periorbital reconstruction however it re-quires modification’s to meet reconstruction requirement. Modifications includes islanded single stage forehead flap, expanded forehead flap, pre-fabricated with rib cartilage, folded forehead flap, split forehead flap and delayed flap, are associated with complications which can be minimized using different techniques. This article’s objective is to re-view indications for modification of Paramedian forehead flap, its complications and techniques of minimizing them. Methods: Twenty-three patients with facial defects reconstructed with modified Paramedian forehead flap were analysed by non-probability purposive sampling from September 2010 to August 2014, while traditional forehead flap reconstructions were excluded. Results: Nasal and periorbital region defects were present in twenty-one and two patients respectively.13 had full thickness nasal defects, 14 had BCC while SCC in 2 patients. Reconstruction was performed in multiple stages except in three patients. Expanded forehead flap was used in four, subcutaneously islanded pedicle forehead and flap prefabricated forehead flaps in three each, split forehead and delayed reconstruction in two patients each. No total loss of flap was observed except in one folded forehead flap where partial distal one cmnecrosed; one patient with expanded forehead flap required revision due to flap contraction. Conclusions: Modifications of Paramedian forehead flap appear reliable, versatile and excellent tool for nasal and periorbital reconstruction. Judicious modifications of flap de-sign as per indication can give satisfactory results with minimal complications by following the techniques mentioned in literature.

Hybrid reconstruction of distal nasal defects.

We present hybrid reconstruction of distal lateral "through-and-through" nasal defects (skin, cartilage, and mucosa) due to resection of tumor and/or infection. Retrospective descriptive study. The study was performed in multicenter clinics between July 2011 and September 2016. 13 patients with full thickness distal nasal defects secondary to tumor and/or infection were included. Defects included dorsal and/or caudal septum, upper lateral cartilage, or inner/outer nasal valve. Caudal-based turn-in flaps were planned and used to repair inner lining of nasal cavity. Conchal and septal cartilages were used as cartilage grafts. Skin defects were reconstructed with lateral nasal artery perforator flaps. All flaps healed uneventfully, without flap loss. Nasal passage collapse, adhesion, or difficulty in breathing were not seen. No hematoma, infection, and deformity at cartilage graft donor areas was observed. During nasal reconstruction, it is mandatory to consider 3D complex and functional structure of nose. The repair of skin defects may not be enough for functional restoration. We believe that single step reconstruction of full thickness nasal defects through hybrid reconstruction may lead to anticipated successful results.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Nose: The Aesthetic Approach to Total Defects.

Reconstruction of complex defects involving nose and close facial units represents an aesthetic and functional challenge. Restoring satisfactory nasal shape, combining aesthetic, nasal function and patent airways is mandatory. In this paper, we describe our approach to total nose defects and we report our 20-year experience in microvascular nose reconstruction.Clinical cases are shown to illustrate different surgical techniques and the evolution of our approach. Nasal reconstruction procedures were performed on 21 patients between 2000 and 2020 using the radial forearm flap (RFF) or anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Reported reconstructions included total/subtotal nasal defects, caused by cancer resections. The key point of our approach is the expanded forehead flap for skin coverage. Reconstruction is completed by cartilage grafts to restore nasal framework and to shape nasal tip. Ancillary procedures were needed in some cases to optimize aesthetic outcomes. Twenty-one patients completed the multistage nasal reconstruction. The RFF flap was used in 56% of the cases (n = 11), while the ALT flap was used in 44% (n = 10) of our case series. No difference has been detected in the number of reconstructive stages required to achieve the final result comparing RFF and ALT reconstruction (3.3 vs. 3.1 reconstructive steps). Ancillary procedures were performed in 7 patients. Microvascular tissue transfer plays a key role in full-thickness nasal defects restoration. Comparing the two groups, both the RFF and ALT are effective and reliable options in lining reconstruction, although with different indications. Expanded forehead flap, combined to free cartilage graft, is our gold standard to provide external skin coverage to rebuild the nasal framework. According to our current approach, accurate preoperative planning, supported by modern technologic tools, multistage reconstruction, and ancillary procedures are useful to accomplish satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Microsurgical Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Complex Nasal and Midfacial Defect: Multistep Procedure Respecting Aesthetic Unit Criteria.

Extended tumor resection in the middle third of the face leads to complex defects: wide, 3-dimensional, and multitissutal. Appropriate reconstruction is challenging but mandatory to obtain a functional and aesthetic outcome for the preservation of an acceptable quality of life. Three-dimensional combined flaps and multistep procedures concur to reach this scope.This is exemplified on the treatment of an invasive recurrent skin malignancy involving the cheek and maxillary bone in association with a full-thickness nasal defect. Reconstruction was performed with 3-dimensional multifolded anterolateral tigh chimeric flap, followed by multistep procedure respecting the aesthetic nasal reconstruction guidelines. Reconstructive surgery had the following targets: targets: rebuilding the oral and nasal lining, filling the paranasal cavities, covering the facial skin defect respecting the aesthetic unit concept and providing a proper support to the facial structures.The aesthetic unit concept has to be respected throughout all steps, from tumor debulking, to reconstruction and even for the management of complications.