Columellar Reconstruction in Patients with Philtrum Scars: Kalender (Fasciocutaneous Philtrum) Flap

Abstract

Multiple techniques have been proposed for columellar reconstruction. However, in our patients with philtrum scars, none of them were promising a satisfactory outcome in one stage. Therefore, to achieve the best results in a single-stage surgery, we used a modification of the philtrum flap to repair the columella, named the Kalender (fasciocutaneous philtrum island) flap. Nine patients were operated on using this technique. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1, with a mean age of 22. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. Patient satisfaction and postoperative complications were assessed postoperatively and at all follow-ups using a five-point Likert scale. In addition, patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome with a mean score of 4.4. We did not observe any complications. Our experience shows that this method is a safe and technically simple alternative for columellar reconstruction in a select group of patients with philtrum scars.

Fig. 1.

Preoperative basal view.

Fig. 2.

Harvested fasciocutaneous philtrum island flap.

Fig. 3.

Intraoperative rotation of the flap.

Fig. 4.

Postoperative basal view.