Alar reconstruction with subcutaneous pedicled nasolabial flap: difficulties, considerations, and conclusions for this procedure.

BACKGROUND

The subcutaneous pedicled nasolabial flap is a useful material for alar reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the difficulties and considerations in this procedure and discusses the procedural problems involved, drawing conclusions from them.

METHODS

Case 1: a folded flap was used with a conchal cartilage strut sandwich. Case 2: only a folded flap was used. Case 3: the flap was used to cover the outer surface of the ala, and a mucoperiosteal graft from the hard palate was used for the ala lining.

RESULTS

The cartilage strut was not sufficient to support the shape of the ala in case 1. Harvesting a sufficiently wide flap is thought to be important. However, a folded flap had some drawbacks, with the formation of a thick alar rim.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a flap for the outer surface and a mucoperiosteal graft as a lining is thought to be an excellent option for alar reconstruction.