Case Report Reversed vascular nasolabial flap pedicled with superior labial artery: safe and easy method for paranasal and infraorbital reconstruction

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of reversed nasolabial flap pedicled with superior labial artery used for the reconstruction of paranasal and infraorbital defects. Method: 13 cases of large paranasal and infraorbital defects were reconstructed by the reversed nasolabial flap pedicled with the superior labial artery. In all the patients these defects were resulted by the excision of carcinomas. The disease course ranged from 2 months to 28 years. The size of paranasal and infraorbital defects varied between 20 mm×12 mm and 40 mm×56 mm. All defects were restored by the reversed nasolabial flap pedicled with the superior labial artery. The size of flaps were similar to that of the defects. The donor areas were sutured directly. Result: All flaps completely survived. The incision at the donor and recipient sites healed in the first stage. Flap revision of 4 patients was performed after 6-12 months because of mild swelling at the pedicles of skin flaps. The mean duration of follow-up was 38 (24-60) months. No signs of recurrence and metastasis happened. All patients were satisfied with the function of catacleisis, appearance, flap texture, and color. No obvious scars were found at donor sites. Full patient satisfaction was achieved both aesthetically and functionally. Conclusion: The reversed nasolabial flap pedicled with the superior labial artery, an optimal repairing method, can be chosen to repair paranasal and infraorbital defect after excision of carcinomas.