title: Combination of an island advancement flap and a composite graft for reconstruction of the nasolabial defect.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The alar region is one of the most difficult areas of the face to reconstruct. Up until now, various methods have been demonstrated for achieving the best possible results in terms of cosmetic appearance and function. This report deals with a combination of a random pattern flap and a free composite graft, carried out in two stages.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In order to reconstruct the alar region, an island advancement flap as well as a composite graft from the contralateral ear were used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The defect in the cheek-upper lip region was closed using an island advancement flap. In a second operation 2 weeks later, the reconstruction of the alar region was attempted using a composite graft from the right ear.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reconstruction of the contour of the wing of the nose succeeded in a satisfactory manner. There are no functional restrictions on nose breathing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination of an island advancement flap with a composite graft from the ear for the reconstruction of the alar region is essentially a less invasive operation that can be carried out under local anaesthesia and that represents an addition to the previously stated methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eichhorn
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pönitzsch
authors.forename: U F
authors.initials: UF
authors.lastname: Haustein
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps