Refinement of Nasal Reconstruction with a V/Y-alar-perforator Flap

BACKGROUND The ala of the nose is vascularized by a dense net of perforators originating from the lateral nasal artery or the angular artery. These vessels reach the ala in a cascade fashion from the alar groove/lateral nasal wall. Based on these vessels, a V/Y flap can be dissected with a wide range of mobility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen patients underwent reconstruction of the nose by means of a V/Y-alar-perforator flap alone or in combination with a myocutaneous rotation flap from the lateral nasal wall and/or from the nasal dorsum for reconstruction of defects at the nasal tip, ala of the nose, and/or lateral nasal wall. All patients were followed up 8 months after surgery in average. RESULTS There was no prolonged congestion or any tissue loss. All patients presented postoperatively with excellent aesthetic results, and no nasal distortion was observed. CONCLUSION The V/Y-alar-perforator flap alone or in combination with a myocutaneous rotation flap proved to be a reliable tool in the armamentarium for reconstruction of nasal tip and alar defects providing good aesthetic results.