[Indications and value of various techniques of nasal alar reconstruction]

Reconstruction of the ala of the nose is a very common task for the plastic surgeon. Many different techniques are available, but as in all reconstructive procedures in the face it is important to consider the combination of function and aesthetics. It is not only important to close the defect, but how it looks afterwards. According to these criteria the various methods were analysed and local flaps were found to be the most favorable technique due to their identical texture and colour match to the surrounding tissue. On the nose, the skin of the tip and the ala is very tight which makes it difficult to use local flaps there. However, there is a surplus and looseness of skin in the glabella region. This skin can be transferred by an axial fronto-nasal flap, pedicled on a branch of the angular artery as described by Marchac. With this flap any point of the nose can be reached. In our opinion, this flap appears preferable to all others. The new technique of ala reconstruction based on this axial fronto-nasal flap is demonstrated. The skin defect is covered by this flap and for the inner lining a mucosal flap from the septum can be used which includes a strip of cartilage for stabilisation. In addition the surplus of tissue at the point of rotation, which normally has to be resected as a Burow's triangle, can also be used for the inner lining.