Question |
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Response |
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What exactly is a forehead flap? |
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A forehead flap is a reconstructive operation for patients who have lost a significant amount of their nose to cancer. To most laypeople the operation at first may seem a bit unusual but in actuality it has been a standard operation in the field of facial plastic surgery for decades. The operation is involves reconstructing the missing parts of the nose with skin from the forehead and often cartilage taken from behind the ear. The complete reconstructive process takes 2-3 operations, called “stages”. |
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Describe the stages of forehead flap reconstruction for me. |
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Typically in the first stage a strip of skin from the forehead is brought down to the nose. Often parts of the tip of the nose must be reconstructed by using cartilage taken from behind the ear. This does not significantly change the shape of the ear. This strip of forehead skin must then stay attached for 3 weeks. This is the length of time necessary to establish a proper blood supply for the new skin in this area. Admittedly, this can be a difficult time of being out in public for many patients.
The second stage of the operation is where we put everything back together. The connection between the forehead and the nose is divided. The skin is contoured to look like nasal skin and both the nose and forehead are stitched carefully back together.
Less commonly a third stage is needed. This is most often the case when a significant amount of the nose has been lost to cancer or if the reconstructed area needs further refinement to achieve optimal nasal contouring. If you need a 3rd stage this will be discussed in detail in your consultation. |
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What is the recovery time for forehead flap operations? |
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Forehead flaps are usually performed on an outpatient basis. Some patients are kept overnight in the hospital after the first stage. While patients can look a bit “ghoulish” for the 3 weeks following the first operation, they can go back to normal activity levels rather quickly. In my patients one of the main limitations I have seen is that it can be difficult to wear eyeglasses for the 3 weeks following the first stage. Obviously, most patients choose to avoid major social engagements for the 3 weeks following the first stage.
Recovery from the second stage is much quicker. Patients can go back to light activities a few days after surgery and can usually easily be back at work within a week after the second stage. |
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Is forehead flap surgery covered by insurance? |
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In most all cases, forehead flap surgery is performed to reconstruct the nose following skin cancer surgery. While rare exceptions exist, forehead flap reconstruction is usually covered by insurance plans including Medicare. |
| What are the common risks of forehead flap surgery? |
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When reconstructing the human nose, symmetry is critical. Based on the reconstructive challenges your case presents, as well as your desires, some patients opt for an additional stage so a minor touch-up can be performed. This may involve thinning down skin that looks a bit thick, correcting nostril asymmetry, or other small detail work to make your nose look as normal as possible. These touch-up procedures are not a risk of surgery; rather, they are a possible, optional operation to get the reconstructed nose to look as much like your original nose as possible. |
| Why choose Dr. Mobley for my forehead flap surgery? |
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Everyone knows that experience is one of the most important traits a surgeon can have. Dr. Mobley has extensive experience in forehead flap surgery. He is the only University of Utah Facial Plastic Surgeon and as such sees a significant number of forehead flap patients every month. Dr. Mobley also trained under the world-renowned forehead flap surgeon, Dr. Gary Burget, MD, during his prior training in Facial Plastic Surgery fellowship. His practice welcomes patients who wish to go out of network to benefit from Dr. Mobley’s experience. |
| How do I schedule a consultation? |
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Click the following link to Schedule an Initial Consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Mobley with address your questions and any specific concerns you may have. |
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