The versatility of the nasolabial flap enhanced by the delay procedure.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The nasolabial flap is a versatile and effective option for the closure of nasal defects of the cheek and nasal sidewall following Mohs surgery. However, both extirpation of a tumor in the region of the base of the flap or previous use of the flap often destroy the proximal axial blood supply to the flap, excluding its immediate utilization. We describe a different use of the nasolabial flap and a technique for preserving its capacity in the case of reutilization OBJECTIVE: To describe the versatility of the nasolabial flap and a delay procedure that enables its exploitation despite prior disruption of the proximal blood supply. METHODS: Three different uses of the same nasolabial flap are demonstrated in one patient. The surgical techniques are discussed in detail. RESULTS: The reconstructive results were excellent. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The nasolabial flap is a versatile and effective option for the closure of nasal defects of the cheek and nasal sidewall. When the nasolabial flap has been used before, or its blood supply compromised, the delay procedure can reestablish its applicability.