Functional considerations in revision rhinoplasty

The development of nasal obstruction after rhinoplasty is associated with significant patient dissatisfaction. Correction of nasal obstruction requires a thorough evaluation to determine the ANATOMIC EPICENTER of obstruction. The offending structure can usually be traced to abnormalities in the internal nasal valve, intervalve area, or the external nasal valve and may be static or dynamic. Surgical correction of the internal nasal valve using spreader grafts, flaring sutures, and butterfly grafts has been shown to increase the cross-sectional area of this nasal valve, improving nasal airflow and patient satisfaction. External valve dysfunction from cicatricial stenosis may be addressed with local flaps; however, larger stenoses may require composite grafts. Alar base malposition can be addressed by repositioning of the alar base with local island flaps. Intervalve dysfunction involves the important area between the external and internal valves, under the supra-alar crease, and is the most common site of obstruction. Its correction often involves alar batten grafts and reconstruction of the lateral crura. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy and concha bullosa may be addressed as adjunctive therapy to increase nasal airflow. This article on nasal obstruction after rhinoplasty emphasizes the precise anatomic diagnosis and describes successful methods used to correct the dysfunction.     

额部扩张皮瓣半鼻再造术

目的：介绍应用额部扩张皮瓣进行半鼻再造的体会。方法：总结9例采用扩张后的额部皮瓣转移后作为再造鼻的皮肤覆盖,局部翻转皮瓣作为鼻腔衬里,移植肋软骨或耳甲软骨重建鼻支持组织的手术方法。结果：9例中8例获得满意效果,再造半鼻与健侧基本对称。1例额部扩张皮瓣远端淤血坏死。结论：应用额部扩张皮瓣进行半鼻再造是可行的。     

The management of web space contractures

Multiple reconstructive options exist for the web space contracture: skin grafts, local flaps, and distant flaps have all been used to release the contracture and resurface the resultant defect. Local flaps are frequently more suited to web contractures between the fingers, whereas the thumb-index web space is amenable to a broader range of surgical techniques. The authors present a review of the anatomy of the web and options for reconstruction of web space contractures.     

Nasal septal perforation repair with porcine small intestinal submucosa

Repair of nasal septal perforations presents a difficult challenge to the otolaryngologist. Successful closure rates of greater than 90% have been published by several authors using bipedicled mucoperichondrial advancement flaps and interpositional grafts. A number of different materials, both autografts and allografts, have been used as interpositional grafts. We report a 100% closure rate (10 of 10) using an open rhinoplasty technique with bipedicled advancement flaps and porcine small intestinal submucosa (SurgiSIS; Cook Biotech Inc, West Lafayette, Ind) as an interpositional graft. We submit that SurgiSIS is an ideal material for use in the repair of nasal septal perforations because it is easy to work with, demonstrates the ability to support the regeneration of adjacent tissue, and avoids the increased operative time and morbidity associated with harvesting autografts.     

Our algorithm for nasal reconstruction.

Nasal reconstruction is always challenging for plastic surgeons. Its midfacial localisation and the relationship between convexities and concavities of nasal subunits make impossible to hide any sort of deformity without a proper reconstruction. Nasal tissue defects can be caused by tumor removal, trauma or by any other insult to the nasal pyramid, like cocaine abuse, developing an irreversible sequela. Due to the special characteristics of the nasal pyramid surface, the removal of the lesion or the debridement must be performed according to nasal subunits as introduced by Burget. Afterwards, the reconstructive technique or a combination of them must be selected according to the size and the localisation of the defect created, and tissue availability to fulfil the procedure. An anatomical reconstruction must be completed as far as possible, trying to restore the nasal lining, the osteocartilaginous framework and the skin cover. In our department, 35 patients were operated on between 2000 and 2002: three bilobed flaps, five nasolabial flaps, two V-Y advancement flaps from the sidewall, three dorsonasal flaps modified by Ohsumi, 19 paramedian forehead flaps, three cheek advancement flaps, three costocondral grafts, two full-thickness skin grafts and two auricular helix free flaps for alar reconstruction. All flaps but one free flap survived with no postoperative complications. After 12-24 months of follow-up, all reconstructions remained stable from cosmetic and functional point of view. Our aim is to present our choice for nasal reconstruction according to the size and localization of the defect, and donor tissue availability.     

Clinical use of a tissue expander--enhanced transposition flap for face and neck reconstruction

Tissue expanders have been used in reconstructive surgery with increasing frequency, primarily to construct local advancement flaps of tissue immediately adjacent to a tissue defect or deformity. These flaps often lack adequate mobility to allow coverage of large areas. This report describes the use of tissue expanders to enhance the area and vascularity of shoulder skin to provide suitable, ample tissue that can then be used as large pedicled transposition flaps for reconstruction of the face and neck. It is a clinical study based on previous laboratory studies cited that demonstrates that large flaps with very narrow pedicles remain well vascularized and can be transposed to cover very large defects. The tissue expander appears to enhance the vascularity of the flap. The thinning of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue seems to make the donor skin more similar in quality to face and neck skin. These studies suggest that even larger flaps may be developed to supply tissue to resurface the entire face or very large portions of it.     

The use of skin grafts for nasal lining

The satisfactory replacement of missing nasal lining often determines the aesthetic and functional result of a nasal reconstruction. Although full-thickness skin grafts have been employed for lining in the prefabricated forehead flap technique, the results are unpredictable because they remain largely unsupported and subject to contraction. Advances in the understanding of the vasculature of the forehead flap, the use of primary and delayed cartilage grafts, and the appropriate use of operative staging permit full-thickness skin grafts to be combined with a forehead flap at the time of transfer, with little risk of loss. The technique is especially useful in the elderly or debilitated patient when a shortened operative time and less intranasal manipulation is appropriate, or when previous injury or rhinoplasty has interfered with septal blood supply, making the use of intranasal lining flaps unreliable.     

Pretransfer expansion of a sensate lateral arm free flap

Tissue expansion as a reconstructive technique has gained widespread popularity in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery since Radovan reported his original work in Boston in 1976. Reconstruction by free muscle or composite flaps transferred by microsurgery has preceded the use of tissue expansion. However, a combination of both modalities of reconstruction to fulfill particular reconstructive needs has not yet been reported. This article reports a case of a sensate lateral arm free flap that was expanded prior to its transfer to resurface a 12 X 18 cm defect of the ankle and foot in a child, with primary closure of the donor site. The initial successful resurfacing was followed by recovery of sensation in the entire flap over a period of six months, and the static two-point discrimination measured 9 to 11 mm, which was close to that of the corresponding area of the opposite arm. The child has resumed his sports activities with no problems over a one-year follow-up.     

Prefabricated Nasolabial Flap for Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Distal Nasal Defects

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of full-thickness nasal tip and alar defects is challenging owing to the distal nose's triple-layer structure: skin, cartilage, and mucosa. OBJECTIVE: In the reconstruction of wounds of the distal half of the nose involving the rim, the most important issue to be considered is to provide a good functional and an acceptable esthetic result. Various local and distant flaps have been described for this purpose. The nasolabial flap is one of the most frequently used flaps in reconstruction of small- to moderate-size distal nasal defects. Its reliable blood supply, minimal donor site morbidity, and excellent texture and color match are some of the advantages of this local flap. METHODS: In this study, superiorly based subcutaneous pedicled nasolabial flaps have been prefabricated with cartilage and skin grafts. This method has been used in 10 cases. RESULTS: One patient had partial flap necrosis, and two patients experienced hyperpigmentation on the suture line. Scar revision was performed in one patient for hypertrophic scar tissue at the flap margins. No other complications were seen in the remaining patients. None of the patients experienced a skin graft loss or cartilage exposure. CONCLUSION: The prefabricated nasolabial flap offers a superior esthetic and functional result and may be an appropriate reconstructive option in reconstruction of small- to moderate-size distal nasal defects.     

The remucosalizing alar cartilage flap: a reconstructive option for repairing nasal septal perforations

The objective of this study is to assess the results of repairing septal perforations with a vascularized pedicled alar cartilage island flap. Using the external rhinoplasty approach, a vascularized flap of alar cartilage, harvested as a cephalic trim and pedicled on the ascending columellar branches of the superior labial artery was raised. Bilateral mucoperichondrial septal flaps were elevated and the alar flap was transposed and secured within the defect and bilaterally overlaid with temporalis fascia. Silastic sheets were placed and remained in situ until the grafts were revascularized from the peripheries of the defect as well as centrally from the alar flap. The revascularized temporalis fascia acted as a scaffold for nasal remucosalization. The alar flap also increased the long-term structural robustness of the repair. Between 1999 and 2003, 14 patients with septal perforations ranging from 10 to 31 mm underwent septal reconstruction using this technique. There were nine males and five females. The flap was successfully raised in all cases and long-term closure was maintained in 12 patients (86%). The alar cartilage flap is an effective technique for repairing septal perforations in selected patients. It provides vascularized tissue which nourishes the grafts during remucosalization, and a cartilaginous framework, which affords long-term structural support to the repair. It also obviates the need to transpose nasal mucosa and create a secondary defect. The rhinoplasty approach furthermore permits additional nasal deformities to be corrected at the same time. Presented at the British Association of Plastic Surgeons Summer Scientific Meeting, Sheffield, UK (12 July 2006).     

Structural approach to endonasal rhinoplasty

The marriage of endonasal rhinoplasty with structural grafting has resulted in more consistent rhinoplasty results. The nasal base can be stabilized by tongue-in-groove techniques, a columellar strut, or extended columellar strut. The middle vault can be addressed with spreader grafts or butterfly grafts. Lower lateral cartilage weakness can be supported with alar batten grafts or repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages.     

Tip grafts in revision rhinoplasty

In the patient who undergoes revision rhinoplasty, tip grafts are used often when overresection has resulted in structural deficit of deformity. As a result, the last 20 years have witnessed a progressive movement toward more conservative handling of the nasal tip. Still, as some surgeons have not adopted that philosophy and because many more surgeons have not adopted that philosophy and because many more surgeons now take on difficult primary tip problems because of the advent of the external approach, major tip problems continue to plague the final result. Despite these potential variables, when used correctly, the tip graft is critical in achieving the successful reconstruction of the nasal tip region. This article reviews the indications and techniques for tip grafts in revision rhinoplasty and explores how these indications and techniques for tip grafts in revision rhinoplasty and explores how these indications could be prevented in the primary setting.     

Transposition flaps in nasal reconstruction

The aim of reconstructive nasal surgery is not only to rebuild all or part of the nose but also to blend and tailor the new and old tissues in such a way as to create the best possible result. Although a variety of reconstructive options exist, local or regional skin flaps are one of the most powerful reconstructive tools for the reconstruction of cutaneous nasal defects. This article discusses the fundamentals of nasal reconstruction and describes the local and regional transposition flaps for the reconstruction of nasal defects.     

鼻缺损修复术中衬里组织的修复

目的 探讨鼻缺损修复术中衬里组织的修复方法.方法 自2003年1月至2012年10月,根据鼻缺损的情况,对195例各类鼻缺损患者采用局部组织翻转皮瓣、外被皮瓣远端折叠、双瓣法、预制皮瓣等方法来修复衬里,并观察术后效果.结果 所有方法衬里皮瓣均成活良好.随访6个月至5年,局部组织翻转皮瓣法最大的并发症是皮瓣挛缩导致的鼻孔狭窄、通气不良,其他方法未见明显并发症.结论 在鼻缺损的衬里修复中,需要正确评估鼻部缺损范围、程度,以及周围可利用的残留组织量,选择合适的衬里修复方法,以获得良好的手术效果.     

Revision of the cleft lip nose

Secondary or revision rhinoplasty for the cleft nasal deformity represents one of the most challenging problems in rhinoplasty surgery. The secondary nasal deformity of the unilateral cleft lip involves a retrodisplaced dome of the ipsilateral nasal tip, hooding of the alar rim, a secondary alar-columellar web, and other deficiencies. This article discusses techniques to achieve the best possible outcome for patients with cleft nasal deformities. We emphasize the importance of early intervention by way of primary cleft rhinoplasty and highlight the typical challenges presented in delayed (secondary) or revision cleft rhinoplasty. We describe how the sliding flap cheilorhinoplasty effectively corrects these deformities using a laterally based chondrocutaneous flap via an open rhinoplasty approach. Columellar struts and shield grafts are some of the techniques combined with this approach to produce optimal results.     

Reconstruction of facial burn sequelae utilizing tissue expanders with embodiment injection site: case report

Although highly specialized burn centers have significantly reduced mortality rates following extensive total body surface area burns, survivors are often left with grotesque facial disfigurement. Hypertrophic scars and tissue defects are the most common cause of functional and aesthetic problems in the head and neck region. Plastic surgeons use full-thickness or split-thickness skin grafts, pedicled flaps, free flaps, transplantation of bone or cartilage and tissue expansion. The authors present a case of a patient who suffered from third-degree flame burns to the face. Prior skin grafting procedures left him with severe scar deformity of the face. The patient was treated utilizing multiple tissue expansion. Facial animation has retained and facial integrity has been aesthetically restored and, with the use of make-up, it is near normal in social settings at conversational distances. The tissue expansion technique is advantageous in facial reconstruction because it makes it possible to resurface even wider defects with neighboring skin, similar in colour and texture, and superior to skin obtained elsewhere.     

Nasal valve surgery

Nasal obstruction can be due to internal and external valve problems that can be seen before and after rhinoplasty. The main scope of this article is to concentrate on surgical solutions to these problems. To overcome nasal obstruction at the internal valve, spreader grafts, spreader flaps, upper lateral splay graft, butterfly graft, flaring suture, M-plasty, Z-plasty, and suspension sutures have been described. The management of the external valve problems is possible by using lateral crural dissection and repositioning, lateral crural strut grafts, alar battens, lateral crural turn-in flap, alar rim grafts, and various other methods. It is not easy to decide which techniques would work best in every case. After a thorough examination and analysis, the underlying cause of the nasal obstruction can be understood, and one or multiple procedures can be chosen according to each individual problem.     

Controlling Nasal Length with Extended Spreader Grafts: A Reliable Technique in Primary Rhinoplasty

Background The short nose characterized by a reduced distance from the nasal radix to the tip represents a challenging deformity in facial plastic surgery. Several techniques have been described in the literature for augmentation of the short nose, but none emphasizes the surgical maneuvers necessary to preserve nasal length in primary rhinoplasty and to avoid the development of a short nose deformity. Methods The authors present a surgical technique for avoiding postoperative nasal shortness and for controlling nasal length in primary rhinoplasty. The procedure uses caudally extended bilateral spreader grafts, which prevent postoperative cephalic tip rotation and allow control of tip rotation. The grafts should be placed electively in noses that have the potential to become overshortened postoperatively. By doing so, surgeons can perform any of the common surgical maneuvers in rhinoplasty without risking short nose deformity. The study included 41 patients with a mean age of 27 years who were considered to be at high risk for the development of postoperative short nose deformity. All the patients were treated with bilateral extended spreader grafts via the open nasal approach. The follow-up period was up to 12 months, with regular evaluation of the surgical outcome comprising measurement of the nasal length and photographic analysis. Results All the patients showed preserved nasal length after surgery with well-proportioned facial features. There was no evidence of postoperative nasal shortening after 12 months of follow-up evaluation. No operative or postoperative complications were detected. All the patients were pleased with the surgical results achieved. Conclusion The use of extended spreader grafts during primary rhinoplasty for selected patients represents a valuable tool for preventing short nose deformity after primary rhinoplasty.     

Nose and paranasal augmentation: autogenous, fascia, and cartilage

The up-to-date plastic surgeon should consider using augmentation rhinoplasty with relative frequency. In selected cases, for improving the face integrally, it is desirable to augment the paranasal area. In the author's hands, grafts of cartilage and fascia are the preferred tissues, based on the experience of many years. Fascia can be used alone or combined, and in the last few years we have used it alone quite often. A temporoparietal fascia graft has great versatility in the correction of a number of nasal deformities. A depressed nasal dorsum can be augmented by utilizing fascia grafts. A depressed nasal radix can be corrected successfully by utilizing fascia grafts. Submucosal placement of strips of fascia has proved to be an effective method of reconstructing the roof of the middle cartilaginous vault. For augmenting the nasal dorsum when it is a case of primary rhinoplasty, the author prefers the use of fascia alone, but if the patient is having a secondary rhinoplasty, then the graft of fascia and cartilage combined is preferred.