Search

Background Large nose defect reconstructions involving the tip and alar subunits are still difficult to achieve in one stage. This study aimed to investigate the size of the nasal tip and alae, observe the distribution patterns of the lateral nasal artery and present our clinical experience with the lateral nasal artery pedicle nasolabial (LNAPN) flap. Methods From June 2019 to January 2020, lower nose parameters from 60 subjects were measured by a 3-dimensional scan, and the cranial digital subtraction angiogram results of 20 patents without vascular malformation were retrospectively analyzed. The case series consisted of four patients with nasal tip and alar defects who underwent surgery with LNAPN flaps from December 2018 to June 2019. Outcomes and complications were followed-up at 6 to 12 months. Results For the 3-dimensional scan study, the mean area of the 2 subunits involving the tip and alae was 7.986 ± 1.728 cm. In the digital subtraction angiogram data, the lateral nasal artery was identified among all facial arteries and had a mean diameter of 1.0 ± 0.20 mm. Sixteen people (80%) had a rich connection between the lateral nasal artery and the transverse facial artery. All cases revealed satisfactory aesthetic outcomes by reconstruction of large defects in one stage. The largest flap of 4.2 cm × 3.0 cm in our study showed complete healing. Conclusions The LNAPN flap represents a feasible, flexible, efficient, and easily mastered reconstructive method for large nose defects involving the tip and alar subunits.

Reconstruction following excision for tongue cancer carries important functional consequences. Island nasolabial flap (NLF) is robust and oncologically safe and has a good functional outcome, identical to free flap reconstruction. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 11 tongue cancer patients operated between January 2019 and August 2019. Surgical resection and neck dissection followed by immediate reconstruction by island NLF were done. Post-operative functional outcome assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire. Age of patients ranged between 39 and 70 years. All patients had either T2 or T3 tongue cancer. No incidence of flap necrosis noted in any patient. On an average, all were discharged between 3rd and 5th post-operative days. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. Island nasolabial has an excellent reach and can reach any part of the oral cavity, even to the contralateral side and base of the tongue. It has an excellent post-operative tongue function, almost equivalent to free flap. Hence, it should be considered locoregional flap of choice for tongue reconstruction.

Background Nasolabial flap is a work-horse flap for coverage of many facial units. However, these flaps have limited mobility and these limit their use in many instances. Facial artery with its numerous small cutaneous perforators can be a source for free-style skin flaps that can be islanded and have greater reach, one of which is nasolabial perforatory flap. Methods The authors present a case series of 35 patients with central facial unit defects reconstructed by a single flap harvested from the nasolabial sulcus. Results In our series, we did not encounter any significant flap loss and patient satisfaction was high both functionally and aesthetically. Main drawbacks were temporary venous congestion and hair bearing flaps in male patients. Conclusion The authors think with its reliability and versatility nasolabial perforator flaps, based on the same donor area as the traditional nasolabial flap can be a valuable addition to our arsenal in reconstruction of central facial unit defects.

Defect of the nasal region can cause both functional and cosmetic defect. Defect at the nasal tip and adjoining sides is repaired with the help of four staged Schmid–Meyer frontotemporal flap is best suited for its high vascularity and robustness. Glabellar rotation is suited for the defect created following excision of basal cell carcinoma on the external nasal dorsum; the procedure is done in single stage. Single-stage forehead island flap on a subcutaneous pedicle is needed in the area between nose and forehead; in this area the thickness of the tissues above the bone is more than further down the nasal dorsum. The superior based nasolabial flap is used to reconstruct the defect of the nasal ala. For total or subtotal nasal defect, multi-staged anterior scalping flap is very useful. Limited defect on nasal dorsum is repaired by full-thickness skin taken from the lower neck or back of ear.

The reconstruction of the columella is challenging and poorly evaluated in the literature. Our study aimed to evaluate retrospectively the different techniques used in our center and to propose an algorithm of reconstruction adapted to each patient. We report a retrospective cohort study included 18 patients (9 men and 9 women; 53 years-old in average) with columellar reconstruction treated from 1999 through 2014. Six different techniques were used: chondrocutaneous graft, nasolabial flap, paramedian forehead flap and scalping flap according to the Converse technique or the Raulo technique. Four independent plastic surgeons evaluated the aesthetic result on a 10 cm visual analogue scale comparing the patients' photographs before and after the reconstruction. Furthermore, we asked the patients to perform the same evaluation, and to evaluate their level of satisfaction. The mean follow-up was 4 years. Three chondrocutaneous grafts were performed to reconstruct partial defects (Surgical Evaluation (SE): 7.9, Patient Evaluation (PE): 8.3).Three bilateral nasolabial flaps (SE: 6.1, PE: 6.7), 5 paramedian forehead flap (SE: 6.9, PE: 7.3) 6 Converse scalping flap (SE: 4.9, PE: 5.4) and 1 Raulo scalping flap (SE: 6,1, PE: 6,3) were performed to reconstruct total defects exceeding the columella. The use of composite graft was the most satisfactory procedure for partial defects. Paramedian forehead flaps and Raulo scalping flap were the most satisfactory procedures for extended defects. Nasolabial flap was the most adapted procedure for patients with general anesthesia contraindication or for defects extended to the lip.

The nasolabial flap is well suited for reconstruction of the lower third of the nose. In one-stage reconstruction used as transposition flap, complications can be caused by blunting of the normal concavity of the nasofacial sulcus, but also by trapdoor formation. Various theories have attempted to explain this phenomenon of bulging tissue occurring in transposition flaps. The contributing effect of lymphatic dysfunction is not clear. In our case performed after excision of basal cell carcinoma, both lower thirds of the nose of a 77-year-old patient were reconstructed with a nasolabial transposition flap using an inferior base on one and a superior base on the other side. A follow-up showed greater trapdoor deformity on the superiorly based transposition flap. Assuming that the inferiorly based flap has better drainage than the superiorly based due to intact vertical lymphatics, our case suggests that lymphatic disruption may significantly contribute to the development of trapdoor deformity. Level of Evidence: Level V, risk/prognostic study.

Introduction The nasal defect is still a challenge for plastic surgeon now. Many surgical options are reported in previous literatures. There are few studies reported about the 1-staged repair of large nasal defect. In this article, the authors describe the experience about the nasal reconstruction in the last 8 years. Patients and methods Fifty-two patients diagnosed with nasal defect were retrospectively examined between 2011 and 2018. All of them performed under local anesthesia and received 1-staged surgical method. Results In the authors' patients, the mean size of the defect was 2.16 cm. Nine patients were treated by nasolabial flap, and 30 patients were treated by local flap. The modified auricular composite tissue flap was used in 5 patients. There were no major postoperative complications. All patients were satisfied with aesthetically nasal contours as well as inconspicuous scars when follow-up. Conclusion Single-staged reconstruction is still considered the first choice for nasal defect. The design of flap depends on the surrounding condition and the size of defect. Locoregional flaps are still considered as an ideal choice for nasal reconstruction in most patients. O-Z flap and modified auricular free flap could be an option for large-sized defect of nasal alar and nasal tip.

Objectives The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of nasolabial/extended nasolabial flaps as a modality for treatment of oral submucous fibrosis. Materials and methods Eleven patients of Stage III or IVa maximum interincisal opening were selected to be operated. Nasolabial/extended nasolabial flaps were done for both the sides. All of the flaps were done in a single stage and were inferiorly based. A similar flap harvest/surgical technique was utilized for all the cases. Results The preoperative mouth opening ranged from 5 to 16 mm, with a mean of 10.09 mm. At 6 months the mouth opening ranged from 29 to 39 mm. Some of the complications encountered were poor scar, wisdom tooth traumatising the flap, decreased mouth opening due to non compliance and too much bulk. All of theses were managed satisfactorily. Conclusion The nasolabial flap is a very reliable flap to restore the function of oral cavity. Important adjuvant measures are habit cessation, lifestyle changes, and aggressive physiotherapy.

Background The nasolabial flap is ideal for reconstruction of the nasal alar subunit due to its proximity, color and contour match, and well-placed donor scar. When raised as a random-pattern flap, there is a risk of vascular compromise to the tip with increased flap length and aggressive flap thinning. Surgical delay can greatly improve the chances of tip survival, allowing the harvest of longer flaps with greater reach. Methods We describe our technique of lengthening the nasolabial flap through multiple delay procedures. A bipedicled flap was first raised and then transferred as a unipedicled flap with a 6:1 length-to-width ratio. During the delay process, the flap tip was thinned to the subdermal layer. Results In our case series of seven patients, defects as far as the medial canthal area and contralateral ala were reconstructed successfully with no incidence of tip necrosis or flap loss. The resultant flaps were thin enough to be folded over for the reconstruction of alar rim defects. Conclusions We highlight the success of our surgical technique in creating thin and robust nasolabial flaps for the reconstruction of full-thickness defects around the nose.

Background Cranially-based nasolabial flaps are a good alternative for the reconstruction of nasal defects. Methods A cranially-based nasolabial flap was used in 18 patients to reconstruct defects of the nose from 2010 to 2016, and the long-term results are presented in this report. Results Fifteen of the flaps completely survived. All the patients had a bulky appearance, but they did not want to undergo a second operation for cosmesis. The dissection of the flap took approximately 20 minutes, and the total operation lasted for 1 hour. The patients were hospitalized for 1–7 days, and the postoperative follow-up period was 1–28 months (mean, 17 months). Conclusions The cranially-based nasolabial flap possesses all the advantages of the traditional forehead flap, and can safely be used in selected cases.

Nasolabial Flaps are the most popular and commonly used flap in reconstructing mucosal defect left by fibrous band excision in developing countries like India where free flap expertise is not easily available and affordable by poor patients. Extended nasolabial flaps have been used in oral sub mucous fibrosis to cover mucosal defect. Normally these flaps are not wide enough to cover the mucosal defect left by fibrous band excision. Our modification utilises the extended nasolabilal flap to cover the wide mucosal defect in young patients by modified insetting of these flaps. I hope this technical modification will be useful to surgeons managing oral sub mucous fibrosis in developing countries or when free flap is not possible.

Background To evaluate the versatility and reach of modified nasolabial flap used in reconstruction of defects created in and around the oral cavity. Methods A total number of 20 cases were selected. Out of which 13 were males and 7 females. The age of these patients ranged from 24-63 years. 29 modified nasolabial flaps were raised in twenty patients. Based on clinical and histopathological examination, out of 20 patients, 14 patients were diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis, 3 with verrucous carcinoma, 1 with squamous papilloma, 1 with oro-antral fistula and 1 with traumatic loss of lower lip. Results Minimum preoperative interincisal distance (IID) was 0 mm and maximum was 15 mm with mean of 6.00±4.76 mm in patients with oral submucous fibrosis and 12 months postoperatively minimum IID was 16 mm and maximum was 41 mm with mean of 28.00±8.96 mm. In one case, dehiscence (3.4%) was noted on the anterior tip for which tip revision was done. Bulky appearance of the flap intraorally was observed in 2 cases (6.9%). Five (17.2%) among the 29 flaps had visible scar at the donor site postoperatively up to 3 months. Conclusion Numerous reconstructive techniques have been employed in the reconstruction of small to intermediate sized defects of oral cavity. Modified nasolabial flap is a versatile flap which has robust vascularity and can be successfully used with minimal complications. It can be rotated intraorally to extend from the soft palate to the lip. Thus, it can be used efficiently to treat the small defects of the oral cavity as well as recreating lost lip structure.

Reconstruction of an entire alar wing is a frequently encountered reconstructive challenge in onco-dermatologic surgery. The aim of this technical note was to describe a surgical technique total for reconstruction of the alar wing, with a modified nasolabial flap with an inferior pedicle associated with a cartilaginous graft. This rapid procedure seems to be a well alternative for elderly people and patients who do not want a forehead flap. The aesthetic and functional outcomes of the donor and recipient sites were satisfactory.

Introduction: Several flaps have been described for reconstructing facial or oral defects. Flaps such as forehead and pectoralis major are often too bulky for small-to-moderate-sized defects, for which nasolabial flaps are often ideal. However, nasolabial flaps have limited mobility and reach and may need two stages, particularly for intraoral defects. According to recent literatures, facial artery provides numerous small cutaneous perforators, based on which skin flaps can be islanded, with greater mobility and reach for reconstruction of small-to-moderate-sized intraoral and facial defects in one stage. Our study aims to evaluate the reliability and versatility of facial artery perforator-based flaps in the reconstruction of such defects. Materials and Methods: A ethical committee-approved retrospective study was conducted on data of the patients attending our outpatient department between February 2014 and October 2015 with small-to-moderate-sized facial/oral lesions. The total sample size was 23. We studied the relation of flap survival with size of flap, route of inset and neck dissection, functional and aesthetic outcomes and feasibility of adjuvant therapy in cases of malignancies. Results and Analysis: A wide range of facial defects, especially intraoral defects, could be reconstructed in one stage using facial artery perforator-based flaps. The flaps were reliable. Complications included only partial skin loss of the flaps in a few cases. Complications were directly related to the length of the flaps and the route of inset. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory and none of the flaps showed any significant post-radiotherapy changes. Conclusions: We concluded that facial artery perforator flap can be a simple, safe, versatile and one-stage alternative to the traditional flaps in the reconstruction of small-to-moderate-sized facial defects. Neck dissection can be safely done in the same sitting.

The nose is undoubtedly an important facial feature. The rhinologic surgeon with interest in external nasal soft tissue surgery, oncologic or otherwise, may often require reconstruction of a soft tissue defect, from the medial canthus to the nasal ala laterally, to the nasal tip medially. The coverage needs tissues which resemble the adjoining skin texture and have a thickness which would fill the defect appropriately without appearing as a separate patch and upset the patient psychologically. Therefore we utilized local rotation and advancement flaps for the reconstruction of facial defects. Experience with these flaps is being shared. DOI: 10.21276/AABS.2017.1341

The reconstruction of a full-thickness defect of the distal third of the nose requires the restoration of all three anatomical layers. A practical method for three-layer reconstruction of the lower third of the nose and the long-term results of this technique are presented herein. A combined reconstruction technique was utilized, including a reverse subcutaneous pedicled nasolabial flap to restore the nasal mucosa, an auricular cartilage graft for structural support, and a forehead flap for cutaneous coverage of the defect. This technique was applied in 21 patients following the full-thickness excision of basal cell carcinoma of the lower part of the nose. All patients (12 male and nine female; mean age 59.8 years) were treated successfully and were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional outcomes. The wound had to be further revised in three cases for the correction of contour or residual deformities; however, no further complications were experienced. One patient had a wound infection and the cartilage had to be removed. The grafting procedure was repeated successfully after resolution of the infection. Donor site morbidity was unremarkable. Combined flaps from the forehead and nasolabial regions with an incorporated auricular cartilage graft can be used to reconstruct full-thickness defects of the lower third of the nose.

Background The use of Nasolabial flap (NLF) to reconstruct orofacial soft tissue defects is one of the oldest methods for reconstruction in the medical literature. Despite widespread use of this invaluable flap, there are still controversies over the terms used for the description of this flap. Materials and methods A search was run in PubMed for articles in English language on nasolabial flap in oral cavity/facial reconstruction, between 1960 and 2016. Inclusion criteria was case series that focused on the anatomy, flap design, blood supply, composition, flap motion, and the reconstructed area and donor site complications. Results 560 articles were found in PubMed search for nasolabial flap (between 1960 and 2016). 84 articles with case series structure and available full text were included. The results of the search in this topic for anatomy, flap design, blood supply,NLF composition, flap motion, reconstructed area and donor site morbidity are presented. Conclusion Nasolabial flap is an old flap for reconstructive purposes. Over time different modifications have been introduced to expand its usage. Clear definition of the terms used with this flap is given., Highlights • Majority of nasolabial flaps have random pattern blood supply. • Nasolabial flap can have different thicknesses from full thickness cheek to thin dermis and epidermis variants. • Nasolabial flap for facial reconstruction can transfer in three ways including; advancement, rotation and transposition.

O retalho nasogeniano de pedículo inferior representa uma opção válida e bem reconhecida para reconstrução de defeitos do lábio inferior, tal como no caso que descrevemos. Homem, 82 anos, com carcinoma basocelular do 1/3 direito da pele do lábio inferior, sem envolvimento da mucosa. Sob anestesia local, a lesão foi excisada com margem cirúrgica adequada, tendo-se gerado um defeito elipsoide complexo. Procedeu-se ao encerramento do mesmo com retalho nasogeniano de pedículo inferior. Não houve necrose no pós-operatório tardio. Os resultados estéticos e funcionais foram aceitáveis.

Objective Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive precancerous condition of oral mucosa, predominantly seen in the Indian subcontinent. This technical note describes the use of oral screen prosthesis used as an adjunct to surgery to prevent relapse following surgical correction. Methods The modified oral screen appliance was inserted in the patient’s labial and buccal vestibule as oral screen. The appliance was intended to be used as an oral stent along with mouth exercises to counteract relapse of the corrected mouth opening. Results The possibility of flap shrinkage and interference with occlusion results in surgical failure of the treatment of OSMF. Securing the flap in position using oral screen prosthesis has been tried as an adjunct to treat such cases. Conclusions This modified approach can be performed in routine clinical practice, making the rehabilitation of such a case possible with relative ease.

The main goals of reconstruction of nasal defects are to restore the topographic subunit outline, thereby maintaining the aesthetic three-dimensional facial contours and more importantly ensuring a patent airway. Wide excision of tumours of the external nose can at times result in complex defects causing significant facial disfigurement and this poses a significant reconstructive challenge. Nasal reconstruction with only micro-vascular free flaps can at times produce poor aesthetic outcomes as distant skin often appears as a mismatched patch within the surrounding normal facial skin. We describe a novel technique for external nose reconstruction using a combination two well described local flaps, superiorly based nasolabial flap alongside a paramedian forehead flap.

Objectives Reconstruction of head and neck cancer ablative defects is challenging. A modification of the nasolabial flap (islanded pedicled nasolabial flap [ipNLF]) is an easy and reliable option for reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects of the head and neck, especially in resource-constrained and high-volume centers. Study design and methods We present the retrospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients reconstructed with ipNLF at two high-volume cancer centers, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Varanasi, India; and Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India. The functional outcomes measured were duration of weaning of feeding and tracheotomy tubes and speech assessment (speech intelligible rating score [SIR]) postsurgery. Complications assessed were flap loss, orocutaneous fistula, donor site wound dehiscence, oral incompetence, and angle of mouth deviation. Results The most common ablative defect was of the oral cavity (22 patients), followed by the oropharynx (4 patients) and hypopharynx (1 patient). The mean operating time for flap harvesting and insetting was 57.7 minutes. The mean durations for postoperative feeding tube and tracheotomy removal were 10 and 5 days, respectively. Twenty-four subjects had SIR scores of I or II. None of the subjects had flap loss, orocutaneous fistula, or donor site wound dehiscence. Twenty-five subjects had no oral incompetence, and 26 subjects had no or minimal angle of mouth deviation. Conclusion This is the largest series of ipNLF to date and emphasizes the versatility, reliability, reproducibility and excellent functional and acceptable cosmetic outcomes of this flap for the reconstruction of judiciously chosen head and neck ablative defects. Level of evidence 2C Laryngoscope, 130: 1967-1972, 2020.

To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of oral cancer patients who had undergone surgical reconstruction with nasolabial flap. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 1 year at a tertiary care hospital and 128 subjects were included. The subjective assessment of quality of life using The University of Washington QOL Questionnaire including physical, socio-emotional, composite and overall QOL, Objective assessment of functional mouth opening and Nasolabial crease scar assessment using Vancouver scar scale was done. Majority of the subjects, 98.4% were male. Maximum cases were involving the lower gingivobuccal complex and retromolar trigone followed by buccal mucosa. Majority of the tumors were T2, 53.1% followed by T1, 18.8%. Statistically significant (p

Background Large involuted upper lip infantile hemangioma is a challenge for plastic surgeon because of high visibility of disfigurement. To achieve an optimal reconstruction with matched color and texture, nasolabial flap based on the upper lateral lip subunit is used for the upper lip reconstruction. Methods Records of 8 patients who underwent upper lip reconstruction from 2014 to 2018 at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital were reviewed. After flap design according to the contralateral upper lip subunit, nasolabial flap was dissected and rotated to the defect. The donor site was subsequently closed by extensive undermining cheek skin tissue. The incisions were hidden in the border of lateral upper lip subunit. Results There were a few deformities observed, including scar hypertrophy (4/8), alar flaring (2/8), and lower lid bulking (1/8). Five patients received following trimming procedures because of residual scars or deformity. All the patients were satisfied with the postoperative results. No obvious complications were observed. Conclusions The nasolabial flap based on the upper lateral lip subunit is a safe, effective, and reliable technique for correction of severe upper lip defect caused by large involuted infantile hemangioma. Although subsequent trimming procedures are required in some complicated cases, satisfactory results can still be achieved.

Oral submucous fibrosis [OSF] is a premalignant condition characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of submucosal tissue, resulting in trismus. It is associated with chewing of areca nut in betel quid. Mortality rate is significant because it transforms into oral squamous cell carcinoma at a rate of 2.3%–7.6%. The aim of this article is to share our experience in managing a case of recurrent oral submucous fibrosis with nil mouth opening by surgical excision, coronoidotomy, and reconstruction of buccal defect using bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flap, followed by active oral physiotherapy. The patient had reached an acceptable mouth opening with no further recurrence. The patient was observed closely for any malignant transformation. Surgical excision of bands and coronoidotomy followed by reconstruction with nasolabial flaps and active physiotherapy in the postoperative period remains a good option for recurrent and advanced cases of OSF with acceptable functional and cosmetic results.

Free tissue transfer is the reconstructive option of choice in oral defects of onco-resections. Local flaps like nasolabial flap and FAMM flaps need to be in the armamentarium of surgeons to use when need arises. The aim of this study is to assess utility of island FAMM or nasolabial flap in oral reconstruction, in an oncological setting. Patients with oral cancers, irrespective of nodal status, were included in the study. A total of 33 patients were enrolled from Jan 2018 to Feb 2019, of which 2 were discarded intra-operatively. Fifteen had NLF and 16 had FAMM flap reconstruction. Partial flap loss was noted in 2 patients that healed with granulation, secondarily. Island FAMM and island nasolabial flaps are equally good reconstructive options even in an oncological setup, if factors like addictions, socialising capacity of patient and presence of submucosal fibrosis can be ascertained.

Objective:. Contours of the lower nasal third are unique and present challenges in surgical reconstruction. The nasal alar intricate curved anatomy makes the area easily compromised after Mohs surgery. Managing patient and surgeon expectations with regard to aesthetics and functionality remains the reconstructive goal. The purpose of the study was to compare patients’ perspective on aesthetics and functional outcomes of nasal alar reconstruction post Mohs ablative surgery using nasolabial or forehead flaps. Methods:. A single surgeon’s results of 23 patients, who underwent nasal alar reconstruction post Mohs surgery, were included for analysis (15 forehead and 8 nasolabial flaps). Initially, 103 consecutive patients undergoing nasal reconstruction were reviewed, with 67 excluded due to nonalar subunit involvement and an additional 13 excluded for other discussed reasons. Mean follow-up period was 2.3 years. Evaluation of a patient satisfaction questionnaire assessed aesthetics and functionality and also surgical scar noticeability. Additionally, 3 board-certified plastic surgeons assessed postoperative images. Results:. Twenty-three patients completed the survey. There was no statistically significant difference in gender ratio, follow-up time, or scar noticeability among groups. A difference was noted in both aesthetics and functionality score (P < 0.03) for both variables favoring forehead flaps. Results from the surgeon’s questionnaire also confirmed the superiority of forehead flaps concerning scar, alar contour/symmetry, and nostril opening symmetry. Conclusions:. The forehead flap has a better functional and aesthetic outcome and an overall superior level of satisfaction post Mohs ablative surgery.

Patients with oral malignancy often have associated trismus. Trismus is a debilitating condition that needs to be treated adequately with the release of fibrosis and interposition of vascularized tissue to provide long-term improvement in the mouth opening. Treatment of oral cancer in patients with severe trismus becomes challenging because of difficult access and further deterioration of mouth opening following treatment of the malignancy. Herein, the planning of access to oral cancer and management of trismus in 9 oral cancer patients with severe trismus using nasolabial flaps and coronoidectomy are described. Bilateral nasolabial flaps and coronoidectomy were used successfully as an approach in these 9 patients with oral carcinoma with severe trismus. The advantages of this procedure are described.

Aim of the Study: During the reconstruction of alar defects involving the upper lip, reconstructive surgeons face the need for various thicknesses of tissues crucial to preserving the facial sulcus which is important for a cosmetically acceptable result. Our aim was to reconstruct the deep perialar and thinner lateral nasal alar defect in a single step procedure with a suitable flap which is reliable, has appropriate blood supply and provides an esthetically good result. Materials and Methods: Extended alar defect was reconstructed with a combined flap in 10 cases. During the procedure, a subcutaneous pedicle was created and the proximal part of the flap was rotated into the defect as a rotational flap. The procedure and the follow-up have been photo-documented in all cases. Furthermore, the perfusion of the flaps was monitored by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. Postoperative complications were evaluated with a semi-quantitative score and the patients completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire, too. Results: An optimal esthetic result was obtained in all cases after the operation. The lateral nasal alar part of the defect was reconstructed with the thinner proximal part of the flap while the deeper perialar region involving the upper lip was covered with the thicker distal part. The flaps have shown sufficient blood flow after the operation. There was no significant pin cushioning or "trap-door" effect in any case. Mild erythema and edema was found in few cases. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result of the intervention. Conclusions: The flap is suitable for the reconstruction of alar defects involving the perialar region. It has the advantage of covering the deeper perialar and the thinner alar defects, whilst eliminating the pin cushioning effect of the conventional subcutaneous island pedicle flaps.