ABSTRACT
Introduction Reconstruction of the nose poses a particularly visible and unforgiving challenge
for the reconstructive surgeon. Its central location in the face makes it a natural focal point, and contours, scars and textures must be precisely planned. The nose s promi nent location also subjects it to more than its fair share of ultraviolet radiation, and by far the most common reason for nasal reconstruction is a post-surgical defect from the removal of a skin cancer, typically basal cell carcinoma. All layers of full-thickness defects must be reconstructed, and aesthetic subunit principles should be obeyed whenever possible. Reconstructive options range from skin grafts to com plex free-tissue transfer.
