Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2014 Jun;7(2):142-144.

Reconstruction of a Columellar Defect With a Nasolabial Island Flap

• Kang IG
• Jung JH
• Kim ST
• Kim YJ

Abstract

Columellar skin defects may be caused by excision of cutaneous malignancy, trauma, or tissue necrosis associated with surgery. Although columellar skin necrosis rarely occurs following rhinoplasty, this condition might be more common when using an external approach than a closed approach. Columellar skin incision performed with exaggerated tip augmentation may cause columellar necrosis. The nasolabial island flap, used unilaterally to cover columellar skin defects, is used for a single-stage reconstruction procedure and is generally not associated with the need for secondary surgeries. This technique is well suited for repairing columellar skin defects. We experienced a patient with columellar skin necrosis occurring after rhinoplasty which was reconstructed using a unilateral single-stage nasolabial island flap.

Keyword

Island flap; Columellar defect; Rhinoplasty

MeSH Terms

Humans
Necrosis
Rhinoplasty
Skin

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A skin defect 1.5×1.0 cm in size was located on the columella of the patient. Implanted rib cartilage was exposed.

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  Fig. 2 A nasolabial island flap was created (A) and extended to the columellar skin defect (B) through a subcutaneous tunnel.

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  Fig. 3 The flap successfully covered the defect with minimal volume loss. The height of the columella was well preserved. Additionally, the skin tones of the flap and nose matched. There was no visible donor site scarring 2 years after the operation.

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