Call Us Today:
949.200.1600

Superior Extended Nasal Myocutaneous Island Flap: An Alternative to Forehead Flap Reconstruction of the Nose

SCARS Center has published a scientific article in Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, formerly known as JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This article introduces an innovative approach for reconstruction of medium to large nasal defects.

Medium and large nasal defects are mostly addressed with paramedian forehead flap reconstruction, a multi-stage procedure that leaves a gross deformity for up to six weeks. Dr. Madorsky has evolved the superior nasal island flap to extend into the glabella or further into the forehead, naming it the superior extended nasal myocutaneous island (SENMI) flap. SENMI flap offers an alternative that can be single stage, avoiding the deformity of the forehead flap, and achieve excellent aesthetic results.

Before and After Photos of the SENMI Flap

1.4 × 1.4 cm defect on nasal tip, 1.4 cm advancement distance, flap extension into glabella, two stages, and final aesthetic outcome 3 months postoperatively
2.1 × 1.8 cm defect on nasal tip/infratip, 1.8 cm advancement distance, flap extension into glabella, two stages, and final aesthetic outcome 6 months postoperatively
2.4 × 2.2 cm defect on nasal dorsum/sidewall, 2.4 cm advancement distance, flap extension into forehead, one stage, and final aesthetic outcome 1 year 2 months postoperatively

The published study included all patients who had the SENMI flap done at SCARS Center from 2008 to 2018. Indications for surgery were mostly skin cancer defects. Other reasons included scar revisions.

Dr. Madorsky’s study found that the SENMI flap is a reliable technique for reconstruction of nasal defects up to 2.5 cm. The study was published with the support of the SCARS Foundation and our research team.

Click here to read the full article.