Efficacy of nasolabial flap in repairing inferior nasal defect

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of retrograde nasolabial fold flap pedicled with angular artery in the repair of inferior nasal defect. Methods According to the location and size of inferior nasal defect, the reverse island flap or axial flap pedicled with the inner canthus artery was designed to repair the defect at the nasolabial fold of the affected side. Results Eighteen patients were followed up for 6-36 months, of which 2 cases had partial necrosis at the distal part of the flap, healed by dressing change, and the rest of the flaps survived. The flaps were not bulky and the color and texture were similar to those of the surrounding skin. All patients were satisfied with the appearance improvement. Conclusions The blood supply of the retrograde nasolabial fold flap pedicled with the inner canthus artery is reliable, using flaps from the nasolabial sulcus is surgically convenient, flexible in design and covert in donor site. It is one of the ideal methods for the repair of inferior nasal defects. It is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Nose; Soft tissue injuries; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Angular artery; Retrograde nasolabial fold flap; Inferior nasal defect