The inferiorly and superiorly based nasolabial flap for the reconstruction of moderate-sized oronasal defects

Purpose: The usefulness of the inferiorly or superiorly based nasolabial flap for the unilateral or bilateral reconstruction of local extraoral and intraoral defects was evaluated. Patients and Methods: In a 10-year period, 22 flaps were used in 15 patients to cover defects of the floor of the mouth, nose, and chin. Fourteen bilateral and two unilateral naps were inferiorly based, and six unilateral flaps were superiorly based. Results: Dehiscence, which occurred in one case, and obstructive sialadenitis which occurred in another, were the main complications. Conclusion: The nasolabial flap is a useful procedure for the reconstruction of moderate-sized oronasal defects because of its simple elevation, proximity to the defect, and versatility.