CC BY-NC 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2016; 43(01): 77-83
DOI: 10.5999/aps.2016.43.1.77
Original Article

Lateral Nasal Artery Perforator Flaps: Anatomic Study and Clinical Applications

Giuseppe AG Lombardo
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
,
Serena Tamburino
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
,
Luciano Tracia
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
,
Maria Stella Tarico
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
,
Rosario Emanuele Perrotta
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
› Author Affiliations

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.



Publication History

Received: 27 August 2015

Accepted: 24 November 2015

Article published online:
20 April 2022

© 2016. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, permitting unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

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