Reconstruction of full thickness defects of ala nasi by one-stage procedure

ABSTRACT

One-stage reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the ala nasi, of traumatic origin [3 cases] and following excision of basal cell carcinoma [11 cases], is presented in this paper. The superiorly pedicled nasolabial cheek flap has been used in the reconstruction. The flap has been designed long enough to allow folding of its terminal part as an inner lining. The nasolabial flaps, in general, are supplied with the angular branch of the anterior facial artery and its free anastomosis with and infra-orbital arteries. The latter anastomosis is the main supply for the superiorly pedicled nasolabial flap. The tremendous blood supply allows for raising flaps of 4 to 1 length to breadth ratio without need for prior delay. This technique saves the trouble of the traditional multiple-stage reconstruction techniques, and, at the same time, gives very satisfactory cosmetic results: