Case report demonstrates successful reconstruction of alar defects in a pediatric patient, suggesting effective techniques for aesthetic and functional outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Congenital isolated alar defects (CIAD) are exceedingly rare, representing ∼0.7% of all craniofacial clefts. Their complex 3-layered anatomy and functional significance make reconstruction particularly challenging, especially in pediatric patients. CASE: The authors present the case of a 7-year-old boy with a right-sided CIAD reconstructed using a Mutaf triangular closure flap combined with an auricular composite graft. The repair achieved excellent alar symmetry, nasal patency, and aesthetic contour with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the combined utility of the Mutaf flap and auricular composite graft for single-stage reconstruction of full-thickness alar defects in children, balancing functional preservation and aesthetic outcome.
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Cohen et al. (2026) studied this question.
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