Extended rotation flap for reconstruction of partial thickness defects of the tip and nasal ala region: in search of better aesthetic results.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer of the nose. Defects of the nasal ala and tip region are among the most difficult to repair due to their intrinsic characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with the extended rotation flap for reconstruction of nasal ala defects and evaluate the outcome using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-two patients with partial thickness nasal ala defects reconstructed using the extended rotation flap were assessed. Final cosmetic and functional outcomes were evaluated using the POSAS. RESULTS: Flaps survived in all the reported cases and no major complication was recorded. Histology showed complete excision of the tumour in all cases. Using the POSAS, the mean overall evaluation for patients was 1.8/10, while the mean overall evaluation for the evaluation panel was 2.2/ 10. CONCLUSION: Although similar flaps have been previously described, the extended rotation flap for nasal ala and tip reconstruction represents a functionally and cosmetically appealing wound closure option, respecting and avoiding any distortion of the alar crease.

The oval technique for nipple-areolar complex reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction is the final stage of breast reconstruction. Ideal reconstruction of the NAC requires symmetry in position, size, shape, texture, pigmentation, and permanent projection, and although many technical descriptions of NAC reconstruction exist in the medical literature, there is no gold standard technique. The technique devised by the authors is very versatile, with excellent. RESULTS: , and it enables 1-step reconstruction with optimal results in terms of shape and nipple projection. METHODS: Our technique consists of a combination of modified local flaps and a full-thickness skin graft. Patients were observed for 18 months to estimate the amount of retraction. This procedure was performed in 40 patients, four of them bilaterally. The duration of the follow- up was 30 months. Complications occurred in 10% of patients, and included infections (5%), ischemia (2.5%), and hematoma (2.5%). RESULTS: No cases of total nipple necrosis were reported. The NAC shape remained optimal in all cases, with a very small reduction of the vertical and horizontal diameters of the areola, which maintained its designed round shape well, and negligible retraction in the diameter and projection of the nipple. CONCLUSIONS: The oval technique represents a major step forward, involving a combination of existing techniques, such as the C-V flap and the cutaneous graft, to achieve excellent results regarding areola shape and nipple projection, significantly reducing the cases of nipple ischemia. These results were substantially obtained through subcutaneous equatorial sutures, skin grafting, and flattening of the apexes of the flap.