Objective: To assess the outcome of nasolabial flap for ala plasty in patients with alar defect.

Material and Methods: This descriptive study on 35 patients was conducted at the Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head & Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from June 2006 to June 2008. The detailed history and thorough physical examination with emphasis on alar soft tissue deformity, both from cosmetic and functional aspect were recorded on a proforma. Pre-operative and post-operative photographs were taken. All procedures were carried out under local infiltrative anesthesia and were covered by intravenous prophylactic antibiotics. Follow up was done one month, six months and one year in intervals.

Results: Out of 35 patients, 26 (74.29%) were males and 9 (25.71%) females, with a female to male ratio of 1:2.9. The average age in males was 47 years (range 24-70 years) and in females it was 48.5 years (range 27-70 years). Trauma dominated among the causative factors for alar soft tissue loss. Twenty-eight (80%) patients were fully satisfied with the cosmetic and functional out come. Four patients (11.43%) were partially satisfied and 3 patients (8.57%) were not satisfied with the cosmetic and functional outcome.

Conclusion: Nasal ala plasty with superiorly based nasolabial flap provides a good cosmetic result with minimal complications.

Keywords: Ala, nose, flap, nasolabial.