Nasal Reconstruction Using a Myocutaneous Island Pedicle Flap Based on the Nasalis Muscle With Bilevel Undermining: Review of 57 Cases

Nasal reconstruction after Mohs resection of skin cancer commonly uses local flaps, many of which present limitations concerning their movement and skin color/texture match. In this article, the use of a myocutaneous island pedicle flap based on the nasalis muscle with bilevel undermining for the management of defects at challenging locations on the nose is described as a versatile and cosmetically appropriate flap option. In addition, a novel mathematical sizing methodology for this flap is presented. Between March 2013 and May 2016, 57 patients having undergone Mohs resection of skin cancer underwent nasal reconstruction using a myocutaneous island pedicle flap based on the nasalis muscle with bilevel undermining at our clinic. During the postoperative follow-up, patients were monitored for complications and received proper wound care. The mean age was 68.4 (range, 34-94) years. The mean follow-up was 10.1 (range, 3.0-34.9) months. The mean defect size was 1.99 (range, 0.70-5.25) cm2. No complete losses of flap occurred. Incidence of minor complications (pin cushion effect, minor delayed healing, etc) was minimal (4/57; 7.0%). Two of the cases in this series involved the utilization of cartilage grafts in combination with the myocutaneus island pedicle flap. The myocutaneous island pedicle flap based on the nasalis muscle with bilevel undermining can be used as a versatile flap for the closure of defects of various sizes and locations on the nose because of its rich blood supply, ease and convenience of use, and highly acceptable cosmetic outcome.