Objective: To review the historical origin and development of thin flap and flap thinning technique. Methods: A wide range of domestic and foreign literatures on thin flaps and flap thinning technique were reviewed. The background, definition, methods, problems, challenges, and future development of thin flap and flap thinning technique were summarized and analysed. Results: Thin flap and flap thinning technique play an important role in the development of flap surgery, leading flap surgery towards a more rational and refined direction. Conclusion: Thin flap and flap thinning technique are still hot topics in the future. With the development of thin flap and flap thinning technique, clinicians will have more "free" choices.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of diced cartilage in correcting nasal alar base depression after cleft lip surgery. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 15 patients of nasal deformity after lip surgery from January 2018 to January 2019. All the patients were taken from autologous costal cartilage to reconstruct the outline of nasal malformation, and the remaining autologous costal cartilage was cut into 0.5-1.0 mm pieces and filled into the basilar lacunar space of the nasal alar by the 1 ml syringe whose anterior needle nipples was removed. The effects of visual images before and after operation were compared and analyzed by Adobe Photoshop CS6 software. The patients were followed up for 6-15 months (mean 10months). The satisfaction and complications of the patients were investigated. Results: The nasal alar base was significantly elevated and the outline of the nasal deformity was improved in 15 patients after operation. The overall effect was satisfactory and no obvious complications were found. No obvious absorption was found in the follow-up. Conclusions The application of diced cartilage to correct the nasal alar base depression after cleft lip surgery was a feasible method with important clinical value. It advanced in taking good use of the remaining cartilage and reducing the damage to both the donor and recipient area.