This is an update from the team of authors that originally described the free style facial artery perforator flap, for one stage nasal reconstruction, in 2009. They now update after 10 years of experience with these freestyle facial artery perforator flaps. They have a series of 21 patients (out of 86 nasal alar reconstructions) since 2004. Only one flap had minor congestion leading to flap tip necrosis with minimal morbidity. There is a good overview and anatomy discussion with a section on history and evolution. Crucially, they describe the contraindications and planning methodology that is very useful practically. The technique is then discussed very clearly and with excellent photographs. This enables the reader to get a very good idea of the procedure.
They conclude with a near total alar subunit reconstruction for lateral alar defect which are well served with these free type facial artery perforator flaps. Indeed it is the authors’ first choice. This is good read for all surgeons interested in nasal reconstruction.
Free style facial artery perforator flaps for nasal reconstruction
Reviewed by Sunil K Bhatia
Reconstruction of nasal alar defects with freestyle facial artery perforator flaps.
