Nasolabial Perforator Flap: A Multi-Tool for Reconstruction of Facial Units

Abstract

Background: Nasolabial flap is a work-horse flap for coverage of many facial units. However, these flaps have limited mobility and these limit their use in many instances. Facial artery with its numerous small cutaneous perforators can be a source for free-style skin flaps that can be islanded and have greater reach, one of which is nasolabial perforatory flap. Methods: The authors present a case series of 35 patients with central facial unit defects reconstructed by a single flap harvested from the nasolabial sulcus. Results: In our series, we did not encounter any significant flap loss and patient satisfaction was high both functionally and aesthetically. Main drawbacks were temporary venous congestion and hair bearing flaps in male patients. Conclusion: The authors think with its reliability and versatility nasolabial perforator flaps, based on the same donor area as the traditional nasolabial flap can be a valuable addition to our arsenal in reconstruction of central facial unit defects.