Arch Craniofac Surg.  2014 Dec;15(3):133-137. 10.7181/acfs.2014.15.3.133.

Reconstruction of Full Thickness Ala Defect with Nasolabial Fold and Septal Mucosal Hinge Flap

• Yoo HM
• Lee KS
• Kim JS
• Kim NG

• KMID: 1917538
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2014.15.3.133

Abstract

Reconstruction of a full-thickness alar defect requires independent blood supplies to the inner and outer surfaces. Because of this, secondary operations are commonly needed for the division of skin flap from its origin. Here, we report a single-stage reconstruction of full-thickness alar defect, which was made possible by the use of a nasolabial island flap and septal mucosal hinge flap. A 49-year-old female had presented with a squamous cell carcinoma of the right ala which was invading through the mucosa. The lesion was excised with a 5-mm free margin through the full-thickness of ala. The lining and cartilage was restored using a septal mucosa hinge flap and a conchal cartilage from the ipsilateral ear. The superficial surface was covered with a nasolabial island flap based on a perforator from the angular artery. The three separate tissue layers were reconstructed as a single subunit, and no secondary operations were necessary. Single-stage reconstruction of the alar subunit was made possible by the use of a nasolabial island flap and septal mucosal hinge flap. Further studies are needed to compare long-term outcomes following single-stage and multi-stage reconstructions.

Keyword

Nose; Nasal septum; Surgical flaps; Surgery

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Cartilage
Ear
Equipment and Supplies
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Mucous Membrane
Nasal Septum
Nasolabial Fold*
Nose
Skin
Surgical Flaps