Nasolabial Flap for Nasal Tip Reconstruction

Abstract

The nasolabial flap is a pedicled flap with a wide description and application for use in lateral nasal wall, ala, columella, and intraoral reconstruction. It is a versatile flap that is well tolerated by the patient, with very acceptable donor-site scars. The soft and spongy nature of the flap, with its proclivity toward pincushioning, enhances its ability to recreate the convexity of the nasal ala but classically renders it a poor choice for nasal tip reconstruction. In this article, the authors review a series of 80 nasolabial flaps, all performed by the senior author (J.F.T.) from 2002 to 2007. Thirty-eight flaps were used for partial or complete tip reconstruction. All patients were followed with postoperative photographs. There were three complications, with only one resulting in complete loss of the flap. Through modifications of the flap design, careful selection of the defect, and postoperative management, the nasolabial flap can provide a perfectly acceptable reconstruction option for nasal tip defects.