Distally based dorsal nasal flap in nasal ala reconstruction: anatomic study and clinical experience

The nasal dorsum is a good skin flap donor site for alar reconstructions because of its qualities: appropriate color, texture, and thickness.

An anatomic vascular study on cadaver and the clinical use of the dorsal nasal skin flap, inferiorly based on the nasal septal branches, is reported.

Vascular anatomy of the nasal dorsum was demonstrated in five fresh-frozen latex-injected heads. Fourteen patients were operated of reconstruction of the nasal ala using an inferiorly based dorsal nasal flap.

Nasal septal branches, from the superior labial arteries, give vascular supply to the nasal tip. Connections of these arteries with lateral nasal branches (facial system) and dorsal nasal arteries (ophthalmic system) form a consistent vascular network in the dorsal nasal superficial muscular aponeurotic system and allow to safely raise cutaneous flaps distally based. No total or partial loss of the flaps was observed in clinical use. The donor site was sutured directly in 13 patients and with a skin graft in one.

The inferiorly based dorsal nasal flap provides very good cosmetic and functional results and could be considered an additional adequate surgical option for nasal ala reconstruction, especially when skin from the nasolabial fold, upper lip, and cheek is not available. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.