The use of nail enfolded flaps for reconstruction of full-thickness ala nasi defects: an early report of experience.

The most common etiology of nasal defects that require reconstruction is basal cell carcinoma, as well as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. In reconstructing full-thickness ala nasi defects following excision of basal cell carcinomas, we present our technique of the nail enfolded local flaps which involves the harvesting of the nail plate and placing it to serve as a supporting component. In four patients, the nail plate grafts are inserted into various local flaps, and used for reconstruction of full-thickness ala nasi defects. Lining deficiencies of the alar lobule were resurfaced with skin grafts. None of the cases experienced skin graft loss or nail plate exposure. The nail graft prevented alar collapse by supporting the nasal airway. This technique discards the need for a second operation.