Reconstruction of the nasal columella.

OBJECTIVE

To report techniques successful for nasal columella reconstruction.

METHODS

Retrospective medical chart review of patients undergoing columella reconstruction by 2 of us (D.A.S. and P.A.H.) from January 1, 1982, to December 31, 2000. Photographs before tumor resection or trauma, after resection or trauma, and after reconstruction were examined by facial plastic surgeons masked to the cases and were rated on a 10-cm visual analogue scale.

RESULT

Sixteen patients were identified, most of whom had columellar defects repaired with forehead flaps, nasolabial flaps, or nasofacial sulcus flaps. The mean improvement on the 10-cm visual analogue scale was 2.0 from before tumor resection or trauma to after reconstruction, and 5.0 from tumor resection or trauma to after reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Skin grafts, composite grafts, and several flaps, including nasolabial, nasofacial sulcus, and forehead flaps, are useful in repairing defects of the nasal columella.