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Introduction To Nasal Reconstruction
The Forehead Flap
What Is a Forehead Flap?
Forehead flap surgery is most commonly used for nose reconstruction, where color match, thickness, and blood flow are critical for healing and appearance
What Is Forehead Flap Surgery?
Forehead flap surgery is a multi-stage reconstructive procedure designed to restore both the appearance and function of the nose. Because the forehead skin closely matches nasal skin in texture and color, it is ideal for rebuilding the nasal tip, bridge, or sidewalls.
This technique has been used for centuries and remains the gold standard for complex nasal reconstruction today.
What Is Forehead Flap Surgery?
Forehead flap surgery is a multi-stage reconstructive procedure designed to restore both the appearance and function of the nose. Because the forehead skin closely matches nasal skin in texture and color, it is ideal for rebuilding the nasal tip, bridge, or sidewalls.
This technique has been used for centuries and remains the gold standard for complex nasal reconstruction today.
The Paramedian Forehead Flap
The paramedian forehead flap is the most commonly used variation of the forehead flap method. It is based on a strong blood vessel near the center of the forehead, allowing the surgeon to safely transfer tissue to the nose.
Benefits of the paramedian forehead flap include:
- Excellent blood supply
- Reliable healing
- Natural color and contour match
- High success rate for large nasal defects
Because of these advantages, paramedian forehead flap surgery is often recommended for advanced forehead flap nose reconstruction
The Forehead Flap Method: How It Works
The nose is made up of three layers:
- Outer skin
- Structural cartilage
- Inner nasal lining
The forehead flap method addresses all three when necessary.
- If cartilage is missing, grafts may be taken from the ear, nasal septum, or rib
- If internal lining is missing, reconstruction may require multiple stages over several weeks
- The forehead flap is rotated downward and attached to the nasal defect while remaining connected to its blood supply
Every forehead flap to nose reconstruction is customized to the patient’s anatomy and defect size.
Forehead Flap Nose Surgery: Recovery Timeline
How Long Does Forehead Flap Surgery Take?
The initial surgery typically lasts 2–4 hours, depending on complexity. Additional stages are performed weeks later to refine shape and separate the flap.
How Long Does a Forehead Flap Take to Heal?
- The flap usually remains attached to the nose for 4–8 weeks
- Full healing and scar maturation occur over 6–24 months
- Most swelling improves significantly within the first few weeks
Pain is usually minimal. Most patients only need 1–2 days of prescription pain medication.
Healed Forehead Flap to Nose: What to Expect
As healing progresses:
- Forehead scars soften and fade
- Nasal contours become more refined
- Skin tone blends naturally with surrounding tissue
In cases where the forehead cannot be fully closed, the area is allowed to heal naturally with ointment, resulting in a well-hidden scar once healed
Forehead Flap Before and After Results
Patients often search for forehead flap before and after photos, pictures of forehead flap to nose, or forehead flap pics to understand realistic outcomes.
Before-and-after results demonstrate:
- Restoration of nasal shape
- Natural skin color match
- Long-term durability
You can view additional paramedian forehead flap pictures in our Reconstructive Gallery by selecting:
Location: Nose
Technique: Interpolated Flap
Forehead Flap Surgery for the Nose: Post-Op Care
Proper care is essential for successful healing:
- Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor 3–5 times daily
- Gently clean with soap and water starting 48 hours after surgery
- Avoid all nicotine products
Nicotine increases the risk of complications, such as infection or flap failure by up to five times.
How Do You Hide a Forehead Flap?
During the attachment phase:
- Strategic bandaging and skin-toned dressings help conceal the flap
- Hair styling or head coverings can minimize visibility
- Once separated, scars typically fade into natural forehead lines
Your surgeon will provide personalized strategies based on your lifestyle and healing stage.
Forehead Nose Flap Reconstruction: Final Results
Although recovery from forehead flap nose surgery is longer than simpler procedures, the results are unmatched for large or complex nasal defects. The combination of structural support, reliable healing, and natural aesthetics makes the forehead flap the most trusted method in nasal reconstruction.