Contralateral nasolabial flap for reconstruction of midface defects

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2012 Oct;36(5):1175-8. doi: 10.1007/s00266-012-9943-9. Epub 2012 Jul 27.

Abstract

Reconstruction of defects in the midface near the nasolabial fold or the inner canthus of the eye can be a challenge for plastic surgeons. Many methods such as skin grafting and skin flaps have been proposed for reconstruction of these defects. This report presents the results of using a contralateral nasolabial flap with a pedicle containing the lateral nasal branch of the angular artery. A flap with a pedicle approximately 10 mm wide was transferred to the opposite side through a tunnel at the nasion near the inner canthus for reconstruction of defects with surface areas ranging from 5.3 to 31.0 cm(2) and depths ranging 2.2-6.5 mm. Since 2008, with careful design, eight patients with skin tumor excisions have obtained effective functional and aesthetic results. This method is a suitable surgical procedure for reconstruction of moderate to wide side defects in the special midface area of the nasal sidewall toward the medial canthus. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Facial Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Surgical Flaps*