Comparison of aesthetic outcomes and morbidity of nasal reconstruction with forehead flaps and free flaps

Abstract

The most common etiology of nasal defects that require reconstruction is skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma, the most common nasal skin cancer, as well as squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Reconstruction of extensive nasal defects including nasal bone, septum, and esthetically defined units of the nose always represent with certain difficulties. Forehead flaps and free flaps can be utilized for reconstruction of extensive nasal defects. The forehead flap is a reliable and well-established reconstructive option for management of extensive nasal defects. We aimed to compare the esthetic and functional results of forehead flaps and free flaps for reconstruction of extensive nasal defects. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.