The nasolabial skinflap in intraoral reconstruction

Twenty-four patients underwent reconstruction of the lower anterior part of the oral cavity with a total of 29 nasolabial skinflaps, following ablative surgery for squamous cell carcinoma. Partial necrosis due to biting occurred in one flap. The rest healed without complications. Cosmetic impairment was minimal and postoperative functional problems were related to the extent of the primary resection rather than the flap. The nasolabial flap has proved to be a very safe and useful alternative for reconstruction of relatively small defects in the lower anterior part of the oral cavity.