The free style “Twin V/Y Nasal Perforator Flaps”. An alternative to the forehead flap for nasal tip reconstruction. A case control study

Abstract

Introduction

Replacing the skin along the nasal tip remains a challenge. Depending on the extent of the skin loss, various local or regional flaps are available for reconstruction. If cutaneous replacement involves the nasal tip, the forehead flap can be used successfully. However, it requires a multistage procedure and can leave considerable scarring on the patient’s forehead. As an alternative, the authors present the free style “Twin V/Y Nasal Perforator Flaps” (TVYNPF), which can be used as a one-stage procedure for nasal tip reconstruction.

Material and methods

A series of five patients aged between 69 and 89 years with extensive basal cell carcinomas at the nasal tip is presented. The surgical procedure is explained in detail. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 12 months.

Results

Healing was uneventful for all five patients, and the shape, symmetry, and aesthetical unity of the nasal tip and the alae of the nose were preserved in all patients, without any functional impairment. All scars presented inconspicuously.

Conclusion

In the selected patients, the free style TVYNPF proved to be a good alternative to the forehead flap for one-stage reconstruction of significant skin loss along the nasal tip, while preserving the esthetics and function of the nose.