Nasal reconstruction can improve the appearance of the nose and correct breathing difficulties. Often, facial plastic surgeons perform this procedure to repair the nose after skin cancer or trauma.
Facial plastic surgeons employ a variety of techniques to reconstruct the nose, but forehead flap surgery is often considered the best method for maximizing both aesthetic and functional outcomes for the patient.
In this procedure, the surgeon uses skin from above the eyebrows to repair the nasal area.
Why Is Forehead Flap Nasal Reconstruction the Gold Standard?
Although medical technology has seen significant surgical advancements, forehead flap techniques have been used successfully for centuries.
Simpler methods of nasal defect reconstruction exist, but these can result in contour problems, poorly matched skin tone or some degree of distortion. Forehead flap surgery provides an optimal color and texture match, while also repairing the nasal tip and resurfacing the nose to restore a natural-looking appearance.
When Are Forehead Flaps Preferred for Nasal Reconstruction?
Forehead flaps are preferred for repairing large or complex defects resulting from skin cancer or other types of trauma to the nose.
Facial plastic surgeons can often repair small defects (less than 1.5 centimeters) through the use of a skin graft or local nasal flap surgery. However, for imperfections that involve the nasal tip, these simpler procedures are less effective and frequently result in poor aesthetic outcomes.
In addition, because forehead flaps nourish underlying grafts, the procedure is indicated for any reconstruction that requires structural grafting.
How Successful Is Forehead Flap Nasal Reconstruction?
Most patients achieve positive surgical outcomes from forehead flaps. Even those with large and complex nasal defects find the surgery to be incredibly effective. The forehead scar is nearly invisible, the nose looks perfectly natural and normal breathing is restored.
Patient education in proper postoperative management is crucial to the success of the procedure. That’s another reason the selection of facial plastic surgeon matters; optimal outcomes are only achieved with a meticulous approach to reconstruction and experience performing forehead flap procedures.
Dr. Steven Mobley at Mobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery is a national authority on nasal reconstruction, and his innovative surgical techniques are the subject of numerous medical articles and teaching lectures. Dr. Mobley’s expert skill, compassionate care and exceptional results draw patients from across the country.
If you need nasal reconstruction, Dr. Mobley is the facial plastic surgeon you want. For more information, contact Mobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah, and schedule a nasal reconstruction surgery consultation today.
NOTE: The information provided here is of a general nature and is not intended to substitute for personal advice from an experienced cosmetic surgeon.