Beyond Rieger's original indication; the dorsal nasal flap revisited.

INTRODUCTION: Few reconstructive options are available for nasal defects measuring >2 cm. Staged procedures are often utilized for nasal defect reconstruction, but they are not feasible in some patients.

METHODS: Out of 92 patients operated upon for nasal skin lesions between 2009 and 2011, patients who received reconstructive surgery with a dorsal nasal flap, nasal skin lesions located in lower half of nose (≤5 mm from the alar rim), defect diameter ≥3 cm were included in this study.

RESULTS: Patients with nasal lesions larger than 3 cm who refused a staged procedure and were prone to compromised follow up underwent dorsal nasal flap reconstruction. Clear margins were obtained and no flap loss occurred. Minor complications occurred, such as flap dehiscence.

CONCLUSION: The dorsal nasal flap can be effectively utilized for selected lesions as a surrogate for staged procedures that use various local flaps, such as the paramedian flap.