Use of Distant V-Y Plasty in Reconstruction of Defects on the Nasal Dorsum: A New Modification of V-Y Plasty

Abstract

Nasal reconstruction requires a good aesthetic outcome because the nose is located in the centre of the face. Two problems commonly occur after reconstruction of the nose: abnormal appearance of the new nose, and nasal airway obstruction. The nasal dorsum should be treated as a separate unit. Several local flaps have been described for reconstruction of tissue defects on the dorsum of the nose. Most of these techniques have some disadvantages, such as colour mismatch, dog-ear formation, thickness of flaps and requirement of surgery for revision. Two patients in whom the nasal dorsum was reconstructed with distant V-Y plasty are presented. Six months later, cosmetically acceptable results were obtained. The authors believe that the distant V-Y plasty is an effective alternative to the current techniques in reconstruction of the nasal dorsum. The advantages of this technique include the following: distant V-Y plasty is a safe and useful way to reconstruct medium and large defects of the nasal dorsum; it provides good texture and colour match; the resultant scar cannot cause contour deformity because it is not a bulky flap; there are no formation of dog-ear; it can be used to cover larger defects in elderly patients; it can be used under local anesthesia in almost all cases; it requires a shorter period of operating time and hospitalization; and it is less costly.