Outcome Analysis of Two-Stage Paramedian Forehead Flap for Nasal Defects Reconstruction in Local Population: Experience of 3 Years at Our Center

The nose is a key aesthetic element of face. Nasal defect reconstruction by forehead flap has been done since ancient times. The aim of this study is to review our experience of the outcomes of two- stage paramedian forehead flap in nasal defects of various aetiologies in the local population. This prospective study was done from January 2020 to December 2022 in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at SMS Medical College and Hospital. A total of 29 patients were included in this study who were candidates for a forehead flap for nose reconstruction due to any aetiology. After informed and written consent, two- stage paramedian forehead flap was done and patients were followed up to 6 months for analysis of outcomes. 29 participants were included in the study. Age range was 18-72 years (mean age 38.5 +/- 16.78). 21 (72.4%) were male and 8 (27.6%) were female.23 (79.3%) patients had multiple subunit involvement, 4 (13.8%) patients had single subunit defect and 2 (6.9%) had total nasal defect. Most common aetiology was trauma (58.7%). Early complications including flap and donor site healing related complications were present in 8 (27.5%) patients. Delayed complications were grouped into cosmetic and functional complications and were seen in 22 (75.8%) patients. Cosmetic dissatisfaction was high with the two- stage paramedian forehead flap. Forehead flap is an established gold standard reconstructive option for nasal defects. In a two stage paramedian forehead flap, flap and donor site related issues are minor but cosmetic dissatisfaction is high. With some additional stages, satisfaction among patients increases significantly.