CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF THE ISLAND-PEDICLED NASOLABIAL MUSCULOCUTANEOUS FLAP

The island-pedicled musculocutaneous nasolabial flap (MNLF) represents a new generation of nasolabial flaps that address the problems of a b ulky and immobile pedicle. The in tention of this report is to present our experience with the MNLF for reconstruction of large nasal defect s involving the columella, septum, and nasal ala. The charts and clini cal photographs of eight patients who underwent nasal reconstruction u sing the MNLF were reviewed. There were no flap failures or partial ne croses. All patients were noted to have a symmetric facial appearance at rest and with expression postoperatively. Using the MNLF it is poss ible to reconstruct the entire columella and more extensive defects th at may also include the membranous and cartilaginous septum, in a sing le stage. Repair of these defects was previously beyond the capabiliti es of the nasolabial flap.