Nose Reconstruction in Geneva - Dr. Prevot, Reconstructive Surgery

Nose reconstruction

Trauma and tumors can sometimes lead to partial or total nose amputations, which then require adapted reconstruction. Although a nasal epithesis can be an effective short term solution, the ideal long term treatment remains a permanent nose reconstruction using the patient’s own tissues, with as little scarring as possible.

History

The first descriptions of nose reconstructions date back to the 4th century, BC, in India, where it was common to cut off the noses of robbers and adulterous women as a sign of public humiliation.

According to these descriptions, the procedure consisted of using skin from the forehead and folding it downwards to reconstruct the nose. This technique has been improved over time and is still used today.

Another technique was developed in 16th century Italy and was described in detail by the surgeon Gaspare Tagliacozzi (1543-1599). It consisted of taking skin from the arm and creating a *”lambeau”* to completely recreate a nose. Since then, many similar procedures have been described to improve results, up until the development of the partial face graft by Bernard Devauchelle’s team in 2005.

Is it for you?

Reconstructive surgery techniques can reconstruct a nose from a simple nostril deformation to a full nose amputation:

secondary reconstruction: this procedure is performed a long time after the accident or the removal of the tumor and is almost always possible
primary reconstruction: this procedure is performed directly after the accident or the removal of the tumor and is not always possible

Technique

For partial reconstructions, only one operation is needed. General anesthesia is not always necessary.

For full reconstructions, usually after an amputation, all tissues have to be reconstructed: the inner mucus, the bone and cartilage structures, and the outer skin. Two operations are needed and are sometimes followed by a third procedure to achieve a perfect result.

Following the operation, bruises may appear on the cheeks and eyelids. Nasal respiration can sometimes be affected, the sensation is similar to having a cold for a few weeks.

Although a full nose reconstruction following an amputation is a long procedure that spreads over multiple months, the results are always very satisfactory and completely permanent.