Arch Plast Surg.  2018 Sep;45(5):466-469. 10.5999/aps.2017.01270.

Use of a helical composite free flap for alar defect reconstruction with a supermicrosurgical technique

• Jeong HH
• Choi DH
• Hong JP
• Suh HS

• KMID: 2422143
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.01270

Abstract

The highly contoured nature of the nose and the abundant free margin makes it especially difficult to reconstruct. In this report, we describe the use of a new helical rim free flap technique for the reconstruction of full-thickness nasal alar defects via supermicrosurgery. Briefly, after a wide excision with a margin of 0.7 cm, an alar defect with a size of 1×1×0.5cm was obtained, which included the full thickness of the skin, mucosa, and lower lateral cartilage. Vessel dissection was performed in a straightforward manner, starting from the incision margin for flap harvest, without any further dissection for reach the greater trunk of the superficial temporal artery. The flap was inset in order to match the contour of the contralateral ala. We closed the donor site via rotation and advancement. No donor site morbidity was observed, despite the presence of a small scar that could easily be covered with hair. The alar contour was satisfactory, and the patient was satisfied with the results. The supermicrosurgical technique did not require further dissection to identify the vessels for anastomosis, leading to better cosmetic outcomes and a reduced operating time.

Keyword

Nose; Free tissue flaps; Carcinoma, squamous cell

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Cartilage
Cicatrix
Free Tissue Flaps*
Hair
Humans
Mucous Membrane
Nose
Skin
Temporal Arteries
Tissue Donors