Reconstruction of penetrated nasal defects with nasolabial skin flap pedicled on the infraorbital vessels.

Penetrated nasal defects involve complicated problems of reconstruction because they require a relatively larger volume of flaps and grafts as well as aesthetic needs. The nasolabial skin flap pedicled on infraorbital vessels was evaluated in this research. Sixteen patients underwent nasal defect reconstruction with nasolabial skin flap pedicled on the infraorbital vessels through the subcutaneous tunnel. All of the 16 flaps were viable, with a maximum area of 5.0 x 2.5 cm. The color and texture of the flaps were similar to those of surrounding skin of the recipient site. Thermal and tactile sensation of the flap proved satisfactory in all the patients. The scar of donor site was occulted, and the contour of the nose did not change after the operation. The nasolabial skin flap pedicled on the infraorbital vessels had many distinct advantages and was recommended for defect reconstruction as an adjacent axial flap.