Nasal Reconstruction

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Nasal Anatomy & Principles - Nose Knows Best

  • Aesthetic Subunits (9): Tip, dorsum, columella, alae (2), sidewalls (2), soft triangles (2). Nasal Aesthetic Subunits Diagram
  • Layers: Skin/Subcutaneous Tissue (ST), Muscle, Cartilage/Bone, Mucosa.
  • Vascular Supply:
    • External Carotid Artery (ECA): Facial artery branches (angular, lateral nasal).
    • Internal Carotid Artery (ICA): Ophthalmic artery branch (dorsal nasal).
  • Goals: Restore form, function (airway), aesthetics. Principle: 'replace like with like'.

⭐ Reconstruction should respect aesthetic subunit boundaries; if >50% of a subunit is involved, consider replacing the entire subunit.

Defect Analysis & Planning - Sizing Up Snouts

  • Etiology: Skin cancer (BCC/SCC), trauma, congenital defects.
  • Assessment:
    • Location: Nasal subunits (e.g., tip, ala, dorsum).
    • Size: Measured in cm.
    • Depth: Skin only, cartilage loss, or full-thickness (involving lining).
  • Three Laminae Principle: Reconstruct all deficient layers:
    • External skin
    • Osteocartilaginous support
    • Internal lining
  • Margins: Achieving clear margins is paramount (Mohs surgery ideal).

⭐ Failure to reconstruct all three laminae (skin, support, lining) when deficient leads to poor outcomes like contracture or obstruction.

Reconstructive Toolkit - Grafts & Local Flaps

  • Reconstructive Ladder (Simplified):
    • Secondary intention, Primary closure.

    • Skin Grafts: FTSG preferred for nose (donor: pre/post-auricular, supraclavicular, nasolabial). STSG less ideal.

    • Composite Grafts: e.g., helical rim for alar rim.

  • Local Flaps:
    • Types: Advancement, Rotation.
    • Transposition examples: Bilobed, banner, dorsal nasal (Rieger).
  • Cartilage Grafts:
    • Sources: Septal (best), Auricular (conchal - curved), Costal (structural).

⭐ Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) are preferred for superficial nasal defects < 1.5 cm due to better color/texture match and less contraction than STSG.

Major Regional Flaps - Heavy Lifters

  • Paramedian Forehead Flap (PMFF): Workhorse for large/deep nasal defects (tip, dorsum, ala, columella).

    • Blood Supply: Axial pattern (supratrochlear artery).
    • Staging: Typically 2-3 stages.

      ⭐ The paramedian forehead flap, based on the supratrochlear artery, is the gold standard for reconstruction of substantial nasal defects.

    • 📌 PMFF Stages: 1. Flap elevation & transfer. 2. Pedicle division & inset (~3 weeks).
    • Advantages: Excellent color/texture match, robust vascularity.
    • Disadvantages: Multiple stages, donor site scar (forehead). Paramedian Forehead Flap Design
  • Nasolabial Flap (Melolabial Flap): For alar, sidewall, and nasal floor defects.

    • Blood Supply: Random pattern or axial (angular artery).
    • Staging: Single stage or interpolated. Nasolabial flap design for nasal reconstruction
  • Lining Considerations: Often required for full-thickness defects.

    • Options: Mucosal flaps (e.g., septal, turbinate), skin grafts.

Complications & Post-Op - Aftercare Aces

  • Early (Days to Weeks):

    • Bleeding, Hematoma, Infection
    • Flap necrosis (venous congestion > arterial insufficiency)
    • Graft failure/loss
  • Late (Months to Years):

    • Trapdoor deformity, Pincushioning
    • Alar retraction/notching
    • Nasal obstruction
    • Poor scar, Color/texture mismatch
  • Post-Op Care Essentials:

    • Meticulous wound care; Stent (if lining graft)
    • Strict sun protection (SPF 50+)
    • Scar management (massage, silicone sheets/gel)

⭐ Venous congestion is a more common cause of early flap compromise than arterial insufficiency in nasal reconstruction flaps.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Nasal subunits principle (Burget & Menick) guides reconstruction for optimal aesthetic outcomes.
  • Paramedian forehead flap is the workhorse for large defects, especially involving lining and support.
  • Nasolabial flap is excellent for reconstructing alar, sidewall, and nasal floor defects.
  • Cartilage grafts (septal, conchal, costal) are essential for providing structural support and contour.
  • Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) are best for small, superficial defects; avoid on mobile ala.
  • Composite grafts (skin and cartilage) are ideal for small, full-thickness alar rim defects.
  • Staged reconstruction, particularly with forehead flaps, often yields superior aesthetic and functional results.

Practice Questions: Nasal Reconstruction

Test your understanding with these related questions

All are early complications of tracheostomy except:

1 of 5

Flashcards: Nasal Reconstruction

1/4

Surgeries for congenital malformations of the pinna (auricle) are usually performed around the ages of _____ years.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Surgeries for congenital malformations of the pinna (auricle) are usually performed around the ages of _____ years.

5 or 6

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