Hello, I have been given the option of a forehead flap for my mohs on nose reconstruction. I'm so scared of the forehead flap because it's so gruesome looking but I feel like the cosmetic outcome is better than the cheek flap (I don't want a scar, even if it's in my "smile line"). My question is, how long does the flap from forehead to nose stay there typically. I will have 8 weeks to recover (off for school vacation). What can I expect to look like 8 weeks after the 1st reconstruction surgery?
July 24, 2014
Answer: Forehead flap vs cheek flap for reconstruction Thank you for your question! This is quite a common concern, as these two flaps are very regularly used in nasal reconstruction. Although the flaps may sound quite drastic, they really do give excellent results and in most cases, superior results to skin grafts or other local tissue for larger wounds.One point that may help you decide is what your anatomy may tell us about which flap may suite you best. If you have heavy smile lines already, or deep folds, the scar may hide quite well once it heals. If you do not have any significant fold or line in this region, a forehead flap may be the best option. As my colleagues have said below, all reconstructive options will leave a scar, but with careful technique and good postoperative care (and no smoking!) the results can be quite good. At 2-3 weeks after your reconstruction, the flap will be divided. If the flap needs additional thinning, it may be able to be done prior to your return to school, or could be done at a later date to improve the final result. Dermabrasion or laser resurfacing can also be done to improve the scars themselves and help "airbrush" the final results. Best of luck to you!!
Helpful
July 24, 2014
Answer: Forehead flap vs cheek flap for reconstruction Thank you for your question! This is quite a common concern, as these two flaps are very regularly used in nasal reconstruction. Although the flaps may sound quite drastic, they really do give excellent results and in most cases, superior results to skin grafts or other local tissue for larger wounds.One point that may help you decide is what your anatomy may tell us about which flap may suite you best. If you have heavy smile lines already, or deep folds, the scar may hide quite well once it heals. If you do not have any significant fold or line in this region, a forehead flap may be the best option. As my colleagues have said below, all reconstructive options will leave a scar, but with careful technique and good postoperative care (and no smoking!) the results can be quite good. At 2-3 weeks after your reconstruction, the flap will be divided. If the flap needs additional thinning, it may be able to be done prior to your return to school, or could be done at a later date to improve the final result. Dermabrasion or laser resurfacing can also be done to improve the scars themselves and help "airbrush" the final results. Best of luck to you!!
Helpful
