Scar hinge flap for inner lining reconstruction of full-thickness defects on the ala of the nose

Background: Reconstruction of inner lining of the nose often requires complex surgical procedures. Methodology: To evaluate the scar hinge flap as an alternative reconstruction technique, 21 patients with full-thickness defects of the ala who received a scar hinge flap were retrospectively analysed. Results: Twenty-one patients were included.The average defect size was 1.9 cm(2). Cartilage grafts were used in 11 patients. For skin reconstruction the scar hinge flap was covered by local flaps, interpolated melolabial flaps, full-thickness skin grafts, or paramedian forehead flaps. The mean follow-up was 10.7 months. No severe complications were observed. Conclusions:The scar hinge flap is a safe and simple technique for reconstruction of the inner lining of the nose although it is limited being a two-stage procedure.