Superiorly or Inferiorly Based “Islanded” Nasolabial Flap for Buccal Mucosa Defects Reconstruction

PurposeThis article describes the successful use of superiorly and inferiorly based subcutaneous pedicled flaps in the reconstruction of defects of the buccal mucosa by raising the flaps as skin islands, relying on a pedicle of subcutaneous tissue.Patients and MethodsNine procedures were performed on 9 patients for reconstruction of small to moderate defects of the central portion of the buccal mucosa. Four patients underwent superiorly based and 5 patients underwent inferiorly based “islanded” nasolabial flap reconstruction.ResultsAll flaps healed without evidence of infection, dehiscence, or necrosis. The choice of superiorly or inferiorly based “islanded” nasolabial flap did not affect the success of the final result; instead it helped decrease the trismus associated with these resections.ConclusionsThe inferiorly or superiorly based nasolabial “islanded” flaps provide reliable coverage of small and intermediate sized defects of the buccal mucosa, improving mouth opening.