Nasal Reconstruction

NASAL RECONSTRUCTION

The nose is a crucially important structure in terms of facial identity and aesthetics, and it is also creates the most complex and difficult challenges in terms of surgical reconstruction after nasal injury or trauma. Nasal reconstructive surgery is performed to address and repair nasal deformities or structural defects produced by:

• Previous rhinoplasty surgery
• Surgery for the treatment of cancer
• Congenital (genetic) malformations
• Injury or trauma to the nasal region

NASAL RECONSTRUCTION PROCEDURAL OPTIONS

At The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts, located in Chantilly, Virginia, esteemed facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) utilizes cutting edge nasal reconstruction surgical techniques in order to facilitate the safe and effective treatment of a trauma or injury to the nasal region, or to address structural issues stemming from a congenital nasal defect. After conducting a thorough assessment of your medical history and evaluating the structural anatomy of your face, Dr. V will create a customized treatment plan that includes one or more of the following reconstructive nasal surgery techniques:

• Skin Graft: primarily utilized for the treatment of small or superficial nasal defects, a skin graft is frequently taken from the neck, forehead, or behind or in front of the ear. Skin grafts may be employed as a nasal reconstruction repair technique either immediately after the wound has occurred, or a week or two later (“delayed” graft) if the wound needs time to properly vascularize.   Although skin grafts may be a suitable option for small wounds, the color and texture of the graft can be unpredictable and may not perfectly match the skin adjacent to the nasal region.

• Local Flaps: small nasal defects may be treated with local skin flaps, which redistribute skin from the upper nose to cover a defect within the inferior dorsum and tip. Because there is such a small amount of excess nasal skin, local flaps are only appropriate for small (less than 1.5 cm), superficial wounds.  Although these procedures do result in a small scar, the flap technique offers the benefit of creating a more reliable texture and color match than can be achieved with skin grafts.

• Regional Flaps: regional flaps reposition excess tissue from facial areas adjacent to the nose (i.e. nasolabial fold, forehead) in order to cover a nasal defect or wound.  Nasolabial flaps may be performed as a single outpatient procedure, or (for deeper defects) a two stage nasolabial flap, involving two surgeries spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

• Forehead Flap: the skin of the forehead often serves as an excellent donor site for reconstructive nasal repairs because of the similar color and texture. A forehead flap is appropriate for nasal defects that are deep, larger than 1.5 cm, or require cartilage support and lining replacement. Forehead flap procedures may be performed in two or three stages, depending upon the severity of the defect, and are typically performed under general anesthesia.

CONTACT THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS

In order to ensure that you receive optimally effective treatment for your nasal injury or defect, it is important that you select a physician with in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and the delicate nasal structures, such as Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V). Dr. V has the background, experience, and clinical skill-set to create customized treatment plans that are designed to safely and effectively repair your nasal injury with reconstructive nasal surgery.

Dr. V is double board certified in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and through her extensive training, experience, and achievements, she has built a reputation as one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the nation.  If you are interested in learning more about nasal reconstructive surgery to repair your nasal trauma or congenital defect, please contact The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. V.

Please call 703-327-8200 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.