Single-stage reconstruction of a full-thickness alar defect using a folded nasolabial flap combined with a redundant skin turnover flap.

Abstract

The reconstructive strategy for full-thickness nasal skin defects should include recreation of a cutaneous cover, support, and internal nasal lining. The most challenging aspect of this procedure is provision of the nasal lining. These reconstructions typically require a 2-step process. Satisfactory nasal skin reconstruction in a single operation is ideal. We used a folded nasolabial flap combined with a turnover flap for reconstruction of full-thickness alar defects. The donor material of the lining flap was a combination of the distal portion of the nasolabial flap and redundant skin resected during its transposition. The redundant skin flap was turned upside down, with the skin surface inside the nasal cavity. The remaining portion of the defect was covered with a folded nasolabial flap. This procedure was successful in all 5 patients. All flaps survived completely without evidence of necrosis or narrowing of airways. Aesthetic concerns, including effacement of the nasofacial sulcus, were minor. This method has the advantage of providing well-vascularized tissue of appropriate color, texture, and thickness for external coverage, as well as a satisfactory internal lining in a single-stage procedure.