Nasolabial flap with Facial artery perforator for repairing defects after resection of midface tumor

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of nasolabial flap with Facial artery perforator for repairing defects after resection of midface tumor. Between January 2012 and June 2015,31 cases with midface tumor, including base cell carcinoma(18 cases),squamous cell carcinoma(13 cases).The tumor size ranged from 0.8 cm × 2.0 cm to 2.0 cm × 3.5 cm. The extended resection of the tumor tissue was performed according to the characters of tumor. Intraoperative frozen specimen was used to make sure no invasion at margin and wound base. According to the location and size of the defect, nasolabial flap with perforator was designed to repair the defect, the defect at donor site was directly closed. The flaps size ranged from 1.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 3.0 cm × 5.0 cm, and the pedicle length was 1.0 cm to 2.5 cm. All the 31 flaps survived completely, including 5 cases with vascular crisis at the flap tip, which resolved after active procedure. All the patients were followed up for 6-36 months with unconspicious scar at nasolabial fold and no deformities. The flap had satisfactory appearance with good match of texture and color. Nasolabial flap with facial artery perforator is an optimal choice for reconstruction of facial defects with good appearance and flexible transfer.