The east-west advancement flap (horizontal advancement flap) to repair a defect on the nose ala.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The repair of an alar nasal defect is a frequent challenge for dermatologic surgeons for reasons of the high rate of non-melanoma cancers in the area. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the use of an east-west cheek-based flap (horizontal advancement flap) to repair a surgical defect on the nose ala. METHODS: Benefits and limits of this surgical procedure are evaluated. RESULT: The resulting S-shaped scar was well-camouflaged among the natural skin lines (melolabial fold and melonasal junction). No architectural distortion of the nose resulted from the procedure. CONCLUSION: In selected patients with small-to-medium-size defects of the nasal ala, the horizontal advancement flap is a simple, reliable and aesthetic reconstruction option.