Hatchet Flap With Transposed Nasal Inset for Midfacial Reconstruction

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the surgical technique and functional outcomes of the hatchet flap with transposed nasal inset for midfacial defect repairs. Methods: An Institutional Review Board–approved, retrospective review was performed to identify patients treated using the hatchet flap with transposed nasal inset. Patient demographics, disease etiology, defect characteristics, and postoperative complications were collected from preoperative and follow-up visits. Results: The hatchet flap with transposed nasal inset was performed in 5 patients between March 2016 and April 2017. Two patients developed mild transient ischemia of the nasal inset flap tip without necrosis. A suture granuloma was removed in 1 patient. No additional surgical procedures were required after the nasal inset cheek flap. Conclusions: The hatchet flap with transposed nasal inset is an effective procedure to address defects involving the upper cheek, lower eyelid, and medial canthus. Incorporation of the nasal inset helps prevent distortion of the ala and facilitates closure of the flap donor site. This technique may be employed in certain patients as an acceptable alternative to more extensive Mustardé or paramedian forehead flaps. Accepted for publication February 14, 2018. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Presented at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fall Scientific Symposium on November 10, 2017 in New Orleans, LA; and at the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on September 16, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Philip L. Custer, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8096, St. Louis, MO 63110. E-mail: Custer@wustl.edu © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.