OBJECTIVE

To evaluate aesthetic outcomes after nasal defect reconstruction using forehead flap in different clinical parameters of the defect.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The results of 31 nasal reconstructions with a forehead flap were analyzed. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by patients and experts using NAFEQ questionnaire. Scores of repaired nasal ala, nasal dorsum and nasal tip were compared. Rates of acceptable results for proximal and distal defects, defects of 1—2 subunits and more than 2 subunits were compared.

RESULTS

Acceptable results were achieved in 81—97% of patients depending on the NAFEQ scores. Patients’ scores were higher than experts’ scores for all items. Acceptable expert scores were obtained in 18 out of 20 patients for nasal tip, in 20 out of 24 patients for nasal dorsum and in 13 out of 16 patients for nasal ala. No differences after reconstruction of the defects of 1—2 subunits and more than 2 subunits were obtained. Reconstruction of proximal subunit defects was followed by higher incidence of favorable outcomes (16 out of 17 patients) compared to distal defects (11 out of 14 patients).

CONCLUSION

Nasal reconstruction using forehead flap ensured an acceptable result in 80% of cases according to the experts and in 90% of cases according to the patients. Satisfied scores were obtained in most cases after reconstruction of defects of different dimensions and localization.