Reconstruction of the Nose: Management of Nasal Cutaneous Defects According to Aesthetic Subunit and Defect Size. A Review

Abstract

The nose represents the most common site for the presentation of cutaneous cancer, especially in sun-exposed areas: ala, dorsum, and tip. Even the smallest loss of substance can create aesthetic and psychosocial concerns for patients; therefore, surgeons who perform nasal reconstruction should be strictly confident with the pertinent surgical anatomy in order to tailor the procedure to the patient’s condition and needs. Radical tumor excision and satisfactory aesthetic and functional results are primary targets. Restoring the original shape is the goal of any reconstruction: appropriate reshaping of three-dimensional geometry, proper establishment of symmetry, and excellent color and texture match to the adjacent structures are paramount features. Multiple options exist to re-establish functional and aesthetic integrity after surgical oncology; nevertheless, the management of nasal defects can be often challenging, and the gold standard is yet to be found. The current goal is to highlight some of the more common techniques used to reconstruct cutaneous defects of the nose with a specific focus on decision making based on the aesthetic subunit and defect size. The authors attempt to share common pitfalls and offer practical suggestions that they have found helpful in their clinical experience.

A Retrospective Study on Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Ear following Skin Cancer Excision in Elderly Patients

“…The aim of this paper is to present the authors' experience with the tailored reconstruction of the complex structures of the face, which carry both an aesthetic and functional burden, as previously discussed in studies and reviews on the topic [27][28][29][30][31]. The current study presents some limitations, including the reduced size of the cohort of patients and the exclusion of patients affected by larger defects requiring a more complex reconstruction.…”

Reconstruction of a fistula in the anterior soft triangle of the nose after basal cells carcinoma excision: A case report

“…The nose represents the most common site for the presentation of cutaneous cancer, especially in sun-exposed areas: ala, dorsum, and tip. In this region, even the smallest loss of substance can create aesthetic and psychosocial concerns for patients [6] .…”

Nasal reconstruction surgery after continuous positive airway pressure delivered by prongs: A case report

“…An optimal nasal reconstructive surgery approach should preserve the aesthetic subunits of the nose; cause minimal scarring; provide a suitable match between the donor and the recipient in terms of the texture, color, and profile of the tissue; create minimal damage to the donor site; and carry a low risk of complications. Deciding on the correct surgical technique requires careful planning and should take all these factors into consideration [ 1 , 9 ].…”