title: A review of the bilobed flap's design with particular emphasis on the minimization of alar displacement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The bilobed flap excels in the surgical reconstruction of the distal nose. Unfortunately the aesthetic success of the flap is occasionally limited by the production of distracting alar displacement.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review elements of the bilobed flap's design with a particular emphasis on understanding techniques to minimize distortion of the alar margins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With a proper understanding of the bilobed flap's intricate design, the surgeon can anticipate those factors that are most likely to produce temporary or permanent alar asymmetry. Appropriate prospective flap design and meticulous surgical technique can significantly minimize the risk of a poor surgical outcome.
authors.affiliation: Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cook
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps