Reconstruction of nasal and upper lip defect using bilateral inferiorly based malar transposition flaps: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Surgical flaps are accepted as the best option for nasal reconstructions depending on various factors, including defect etiology, size, location, and depth.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year-old man presented with a squamous cell carcinoma of the columella extended to the nasal tip and upper lip. He underwent Mohs resection followed by staged reconstruction with bilateral inferiorly-based malar transposition flaps. Then, the patient was scheduled for radiation therapy for fourweeks. The patient had been free of recurrence after a two-year follow-up.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

In this case, the inclusion of the upper lip and columella defect restricted our choices. However, the bilateral malar transposition flap effectively covered both nasal and upper lip defects, providing an excellent tissue match without the need for a skin graft. This method is particularly suited for extensive multiple nasal subunits and upper lip defects.

CONCLUSION

A malar transposition flap may be an adequate alternative for columella and upper lip reconstruction after skin cancer resection.