The Facial Artery Island Flap

A nasolabial island flap on the facial artery and anterior facial vein is described. This is a useful modification of the classic nasolabial flap for repair of defects in the floor of the mouth. The flap can be led directly into the floor of the mouth, and the pedicle can be passed deep or superficial to the mandible as required. This obviates the use of bulky carrier skin passing over the alveolus and allows all the nasolabial skin to be available for reconstruction of the defect.