title: Nasal reconstruction with the cheek island pedicle flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reconstruction of the lower third of the nose can be challenging. Maintaining the nasal subunit symmetry and providing good tissue match with regard to color, sebaceous quality, and thickness is essential. For extensive defects in this area, paramedian forehead flaps are often considered.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our purpose was to develop the technique of preparing and executing the cheek island pedicle flap, as well as to define the limitations and "pitfalls" of the flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cheek island pedicle flap is described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cheek island pedicle flap can provide excellent cosmetic results in reconstructing defects of the lower third of the nose. The flap dynamics are predictable, and anticipated complications are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cheek island pedicle flap provides an excellent alternative to the paramedian forehead flap for reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower third of the nose.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University, USA.
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Fosko
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Dzubow
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation; D002610:Cheek; D003286:Contracture / Q000473:pathology; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery*; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing