Use of Translucent Template in the Reconstruction of Nasal Defects: A Novel Technique

Reconstruction of complex nasal defects is a rewarding and challenging endeavor. Paramedian forehead flap may be used for medium or large nasal defects, while melolabial flap or other local flap may be used for smaller defects. Flap design and templating of the defect are critical and highly nuanced components of nasal reconstruction. Various methods of nasal defect template design have been described including use of Steri-Strips, suture pack foil, sterile surgical glove paper, and aquaplast. However, the use of these materials has limitations. As these materials are not translucent, it can be difficult to accurately trace the nasal subunits or defects onto these materials, resulting in a template that may not be accurate in size or shape. Further, as some materials are inflexible there are limitations in fashioning a template of a defect having complex topographic dimensional variations. We describe a simple technique of using a transparent surgical drape (3M 1010 Steri-Drape, 3M Inc.) as a template for surgical planning of a paramedian forehead flap, melolabial flap, or other interpolated flap.