Shark Island Pedicle Flap for Repair of Combined Nasal Ala-Perialar Defects

Abstract

BACKGROUND The combined nasal ala-perialar defect involving the concave intersection of the lateral nasal ala, nasal sidewall, cheek, and upper cutaneous lip is a problem for reconstructive surgery. During repair of combined cheek and nose defects, it is important not to blunt the alar facial sulcus. Defects involving these adjacent cosmetic units can be repaired by using combination procedures such as a flap/graft. OBJECTIVE Our purpose is to introduce, describe, and illustrate a one-stage flap repair descriptively named the “shark” island pedicle flap (SIPF). The SIPF was developed for a specific combined nasal ala-perialar defect. This reconstruction restores the natural contours, preserves cosmetic boundaries, and eliminates the need for pexing sutures and graft/flap combinations. METHODS The SIPF is an island pedicle flap with a superior arm that rotates 90° into the wound. This arm repairs the alar portion of the defect. The advancing island pedicle flap repairs the alar facial sulcus. The 90° rotation of the superior arm forces the alar portion of the flap to tilt 90° relative to the remaining body of the flap, forming an inverted cone of redundancy. Natural re-creation of the lateral ala and the alar facial sulcus results. Illustrative examples with a descriptive technique are provided for the SIPF. RESULTS A well-planned SIPF reconstruction can provide exceptional cosmetic and functional results. CONCLUSION Cutaneous reconstructive surgeons will find the SIPF useful and reproducible in their armamentarium for single-stage aesthetic and functional repair of a specific combined lateral ala-adjacent perialar tissue defect.