A simple method for alar rim reconstruction

A one-stage repair procedure is described for the reconstruction of small to medium-sized full-thickness alar rim defects with a hinged medially based nasolabial island flap. The operation is performed under local anesthesia as an office procedure and is indicated particularly in older patients. The hinged flap provides both the inner and outer layers of the alar rim. The donor site is closed primarily with no need to mobilize a large skin flap. The procedure leaves no conspicuous scars on the face. This method was found to be simple and safe, providing excellent tissue viability and yielding good color and texture match.