Nasolabial flap in head & neck reconstruction: a historical workhorse with modern relevance

Reconstructive specialists face substantial hurdles when managing head and neck impairments caused by birth defects, injuries, or cancer surgeries, which affect both aesthetics and physiological performance. The nasolabial flap, a highly adaptable pedicle flap, has remained a foundational element in head and neck repair since its early documentation in ancient records like the Sushruta Samhita around 600 BC.

A comprehensive narrative review of peer-reviewed literature from databases including PubMed and Scopus was performed to analyze the chronological development, surgical structure, clinical usage, procedural methods, benefits, drawbacks, and contemporary technological innovations associated with the nasolabial flap.

The nasolabial flap's clinical dependability, visual results, and tissue flexibility make it an excellent choice for repairs that are too extensive for primary closure yet insufficient to warrant microvascular free tissue transfer. Recent integrations of modern structural tools further enhance outcomes.

Regardless of structural constraints such as dimensions and the risk of complications like partial necrosis, the nasolabial flap is an essential component of the reconstructive hierarchy. Its traditional baseline is now highly refined by modern tools like 3D printing and computational fluid dynamics, optimizing functional and aesthetic patient outcomes.