Microsurgical Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Complex Nasal and Midfacial Defect: Multistep Procedure Respecting Aesthetic Unit Criteria

Extended tumor resection in the middle third of the face leads to complex defects: wide, 3-dimensional, and multitissutal. Appropriate reconstruction is challenging but mandatory to obtain a functional and aesthetic outcome for the preservation of an acceptable quality of life. Three-dimensional combined flaps and multistep procedures concur to reach this scope.This is exemplified on the treatment of an invasive recurrent skin malignancy involving the cheek and maxillary bone in association with a full-thickness nasal defect. Reconstruction was performed with 3-dimensional multifolded anterolateral tigh chimeric flap, followed by multistep procedure respecting the aesthetic nasal reconstruction guidelines. Reconstructive surgery had the following targets: targets: rebuilding the oral and nasal lining, filling the paranasal cavities, covering the facial skin defect respecting the aesthetic unit concept and providing a proper support to the facial structures.The aesthetic unit concept has to be respected throughout all steps, from tumor debulking, to reconstruction and even for the management of complications.