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The nasofacial interpolated flap in reconstruction of the nasal ala
1Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health Sciences University, USA.
Background:
Skin cancer frequently involves the nasal alae, the surgical reconstruction of which may be challenging if their margins, contours, and surface texture are to be preserved.
Objective:
Our purpose was to describe our experience with a nasofacial interpolated flap in which a temporary bridging pedicle is used to transpose skin from the nasofacial and melolabial sulci to an alar defect.
Methods:
The nasofacial interpolated flap was used in eight patients to reconstruct partial-thickness alar wounds after excision of a basal cell carcinoma.
Results:
The functional and cosmetic outcome was excellent in five patients and is likely to be good in two others who had postoperative fullness of the flap inset. A poor result was seen in one patient, a heavy smoker, who healed with an atrophic scar at the margin of the primary defect.
Conclusion:
In alar wounds for which a full-thickness skin graft would provide inadequate bulk, the nasofacial interpolated flap transposes skin of excellent color and textural match without blunting the nasofacial sulcus or the alar groove.