Nasal alar reconstruction: A critical analysis using melolabial island and paramedian forehead flaps

Objectives: To qualitatively and quantitatively describe aesthetic and functional outcomes following Mohs ablative surgery involving the alar subunit, using a paramedian or subcutaneous melolabial island flap. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: A single surgeon's results in 38 consecutive patients were analyzed. Objective measures (alar rim thickness, donor scar width and length), subjective assessment (seven aesthetic parameters) by three academic otolaryngologists, and patient satisfaction questionnaires were evaluated. Student t test was used to ascertain statistically significant differences between reconstructive groups. Results: Questionnaire results demonstrate a significant (P = .026) difference in donor site rating favoring melolabial group responses. Objective scar measurements and subjective ratings of textural quality and alar notching also favored melolabial reconstructions. Conclusions: More favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes are seen with single subunit cutaneous alar defects reconstructed with the melolabial island flap than with deep composite or extensive unilateral nasal defects reconstructed with the paramedian forehead flap.