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Semin Plast Surg 2013; 27(02): 096-103
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351231
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Forehead Flap: The Gold Standard of Nasal Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Bryan J. Correa
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
William M. Weathers
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Erik M. Wolfswinkel
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
James F. Thornton
2   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 August 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The forehead flap is one of the oldest recorded surgical techniques for nasal reconstruction. As the gold standard for nasal soft tissue reconstruction, the forehead flap provides a reconstructive surgeon with a robust pedicle and large amount of tissue to reconstruct almost any defect. Modifications provided by masters like Burget and Menick have only increased the utility of this exceptional flap. Maintaining an axial pattern, utilizing the pedicle ipsilateral to the defect, extending the flap at right angles with caution when extra length is needed, using a narrow pedicle, and early subperiosteal dissection are the guiding principles for forehead flap reconstruction of the nose. In addition, lining defects can be addressed simply and reliably with a folded forehead flap.

Keywords

forehead flap - Mohs surgery - nasal reconstruction - nasal lining
 

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