Refinements of nasalis myocutaneous flap.

During the last 3 years, we have applied the nasalis myocutaneous island flap for reconstruction of nasal defects following excision of skin basal cell carcinoma and melanoma in 19 patients. By refinements with Z plasty, early dermabrasion, and placement of a bolster, we could minimize the trapdoor deformity, obvious scars, and blunting of the alar groove. No patients required revisional surgery, and flap survival was 100%. On the basis of our experience, the nasalis myocutaneous island flap is the solution for reconstruction of moderate-sized distal nasal defects in terms of reliability, aesthetics, and simplicity.