Use of a Lateral Extended Nasal Island Flap for Nasal Reconstruction

IMPORTANCE: Small and medium nasal defects of the nose have been treated mostly with local skin flaps and skin grafts producing variable aesthetic outcomes. The lateral extended nasal island (LENI) myocutaneous flap provides a reliable single-stage reconstruction for small to medium nasal defects, including those in the nasal tip, with excellent cosmetic results. OBJECTIVE: To describe and define a new version of the lateral nasal island flap for small to medium nasal defects. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective case series included all patients who had undergone reconstruction with the lateral nasal island flaps and LENI flaps from October 2009 to July 2018 with 97 consecutive cases studied. Indications for surgery were mostly skin cancer defects. The analysis was performed from January 1, 2018, through December 15, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The location and the size of the defects were defined. Number of stages required to achieve functional and aesthetic goals was reported. Appearance rating after the first stage was assessed. RESULTS: The case series included 82 patients (mean age, 64 years [range, 31-90 years]; 36 [43%] women and 46 [57%] men). These 82 patients’ flaps qualified as the LENI flap. Of these, 54 (65%) were used for nasal tip reconstruction. The flap advancing distance ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.8 cm (mean advancing distance, 1.2 cm). Of 67 patients with available postoperative photographic documentation, 44 had mild or undetectable signs of reconstruction, 21 had visible scars, and 3 had obvious deformities. A single-stage procedure was performed in 66 cases, 2 stages in 15 cases, and 3 stages in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The LENI myocutaneous flap is a reliable technique for reconstruction of nasal defects up to 1.8 cm. The extended dissection and release of the flap at piriform aperture achieves the predictable outcome and separates it from the previously described lateral nasal island flaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.