title: Lateral Nasal Artery Perforator Flaps: Anatomic Study and Clinical Applications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have investigated facial artery perforators, but have reported inconsistent results regarding lateral nasal artery (LNA) perforators. Although several authors have described the use of LNA perforators for ala nasi and nasal sidewall reconstruction, the literature contains little information regarding the cadaveric dissection of LNA perforators, and most previously published studies have focused on facial artery perforators.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen hemifaces from eight fresh cadavers were dissected to study the LNA perforators. After the dissection was performed, the total length and diameter of the LNA and its perforators were measured. The quantity and the distribution of the LNA perforators supplying the overlying skin were then assessed. LNA perforator flaps were used for reconstruction in 10 nasal and perinasal defects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean total lengths of the LNA and its perforators were 49.37 mm and 16.06 mm, respectively. The mean diameters of the LNA and its perforators were 2.08 mm and 0.91 mm, respectively. Based on our findings, we mapped the face to indicate zones with a higher probability of finding perforators. No infection, hematoma, or complete flap necrosis were observed after the procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nasal reconstruction is a challenging procedure, and LNA propeller/V-Y perforator flaps are an excellent reconstructive option in certain cases. Based on our cadaveric study, we were able to identify an area in the upper third of the nasolabial groove with a high density of perforators.
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy.
authors: Giuseppe Ag
authors: GA
authors: Lombardo
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy.
authors: Serena
authors: S
authors: Tamburino
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy.
authors: Luciano
authors: L
authors: Tracia
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy.
authors: Maria Stella
authors: MS
authors: Tarico
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy.
authors: Rosario Emanuele
authors: RE
authors: Perrotta
keywords: Nasolabial fold; Perforator flap; Skin neoplasms