Tissue expansion-assisted prefabrication of the forehead flap for nasal reconstruction.

A new technique for nasal reconstruction is described. This method--expansion-assisted flap prefabrication--is essentially a simultaneous application of pretransfer grafting and tissue-expansion procedures for creating custom-made forehead flaps to meet varying requirements of nasal reconstruction. We have applied this new technique on seven patients, with full-thickness nasal defects during a 3-year period. Results from these patients are presented with a review of different use of flap prefabrication principles in nasal reconstruction.