The Reverse Nasolabial Flap with a Cartilage Graft for the Repair of a Full-Thickness Alar Defect: A Single-Stage Procedure

ABSTRACT

A 65-year-old woman with a deeply infiltrating basal cell carcinoma in the right ala underwent full-thickness excision of most of the ala, including the alar rim, crease, and the adjacent cheek, leaving a 'through-and-through' defect. Reconstruction was performed by using the reverse nasolabial flap and a cartilage graft across the alar defect, harvested from the concha, to prevent nostril collapse and to maintain the alar shape. The reverse or turnover nasolabial flap is a variant of the conventional nasolabial flap; however, it may be more suited for the repair of a full-thickness, lateral alar defect. The reverse nasolabial flap functions both as an inner liner and an outer cover and the repair is performed as a single-stage procedure. Furthermore, this flap can provide both excellent function and excellent cosmetic outcome.