Experience with management of nasal defects

INTRODUCTION: Nasal reconstruction is a challenging undertaking for the reconstructive surgeon. Clinical patterns and outcomes in nasal reconstruction in blacks are relatively less well reported. The purpose of this article is to document a review of patients who had nasal reconstruction in our practice, a black African setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records of patients with nasal deformities requiring reconstruction were retrieved. Patient’s biodata as well as type and extent of nasal deformities, etiology of deformities, and outcomes of treatment were documented. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were managed over a 15-year period. There were more males than females. The average age was 27 years. Trauma accounted for 62% of cases with road traffic injuries, human bites leading the pack. Defects from resection of skin malignancies were few. The parts of the nose most commonly affected were the alar, tip, and columella. Forehead flap and nasolabial flaps with or without cartilaginous grafts were most commonly employed means of repair. CONCLUSION: Nasal defects were more commonly due to trauma, rather than excision of skin malignancies. Primary suturing of avulsed nasal tissue in human bites should be avoided as necrosis results. Delayed presentation may complicate outcomes.