Aesthetic nasal reconstruction is plastic surgery to rebuild part or all of the nose after trauma, skin cancer removal, burns, infection or a birth defect. Depending on the size and depth of the defect, the surgeon uses stitches, skin grafts, local flaps or a forehead flap to restore both appearance and function.
- AnaesthesiaLocal or general anaesthesia, depending on the defect
- DurationVaries with technique; often 1 to 3 hours per stage
- Hospital stayDay care to a few days
- Back to routineUsually 1 to 2 weeks; longer with staged flaps
What is aesthetic nasal reconstruction?
The nose is central to facial appearance, and rebuilding it is technically demanding. Reconstruction aims to restore skin cover, structural support and inner lining so the nose looks natural and breathing is preserved.
The method depends on the defect. Small cuts can be closed with simple stitches, and very small defects may heal on their own (secondary intention). Skin grafts suit small superficial defects, and local flaps suit defects up to about 1.5 cm. Regional flaps use nearby tissue from the forehead or cheek. One-stage or two-stage nasolabial flaps are used for smaller or deeper defects of the nostril rim (ala).
The forehead flap is used for large or deep defects needing lining or cartilage support. It involves a few weeks of a temporary bridge of tissue between forehead and nose, which is later divided. Age alone is not a reason to avoid forehead flap reconstruction.
Who is aesthetic nasal reconstruction for?
- People with nasal deformity after a fracture or injury
- Defects after skin cancer removal
- Damage from burns or infection
- Congenital (birth) nasal deformities
- Not suitable with uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure, active skin infection, bleeding disorders, poor flap blood supply, chronic malnutrition or diseases that impair healing
How is it done?
- Blood tests, anaesthesia fitness evaluation and consultation
- Stop alcohol and smoking for some days before surgery as advised
- Small defects: direct stitching, skin graft or a local flap
- Larger defects: regional or nasolabial flaps, in one or two stages
- Large or deep defects: forehead flap with cartilage support and lining, usually in stages over 3 to 4 weeks
What is recovery like?
- Avoid pressure on the nose and keep the head above heart level
- Keep the mouth clean and sneeze with the mouth open
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least ten days
- With a forehead flap, expect about 3 to 4 weeks of the attached flap before it is divided
- Scars typically improve and fade over several months
What are the risks?
- Minor bleeding or haematoma
- Infection, including graft infection
- Bruising and swelling
- Nerve injury or altered sense of smell
- Altered breathing or need for further refinement surgery
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
What causes the need for nasal reconstruction?
Common reasons include injury or fracture, removal of skin cancer, burns, infection and birth defects. The goal is to restore the nose's shape, support and lining so it looks natural and functions well.
What is a forehead flap?
A forehead flap moves skin from the forehead, still attached to its blood supply, to cover a large or deep nasal defect. It stays connected for about 3 to 4 weeks while it heals into place, then the bridge is divided. It is a reliable option for major defects.
Am I too old for nasal reconstruction?
Age alone is not a reason to avoid reconstruction, including forehead flap surgery. What matters more is general health, blood supply to the tissues, and control of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
How should I care for my nose after surgery?
Avoid pressure on the nose, keep your head above heart level, keep your mouth clean and sneeze with your mouth open. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least ten days, as they slow healing.
Will I need more than one operation?
Small defects are often repaired in one sitting. Larger or deeper defects may need staged procedures, such as a two-stage nasolabial flap or a forehead flap that is divided after a few weeks. Some patients choose later refinement for the best appearance.
