Mini alar myocutaneous flaps for nasolabial-columella reconstruction

A new midfacial myocutaneous flap that is particularly useful in nasolabial-columella reconstruction is described. The mini alar flap is a randomized myocutaneous island flap incorporating portions of the orbicularis oris, levator labi superioris alae (labial portion), levator labi superioris, and zygomaticus minor, based on a vascular supply from the terminal branches of the facial artery. The flaps allow for a bilateral elipse of skin and underlying muscle to be transferred from the lateral nasal area into the midportion of the columella and the upper lip for reconstruction of ablative, traumatic, or congenital defects. The primary advantage of the mini alar flap lies in the ability to transpose moderate quantities of viable, well-matched tissue with minimal donor area deformity.