Nasal reconstruction based on subunit principle combined with turn-over island nasal skin flap for nasal lining restoration.

The reconstructive plan of full-thickness nasal defects should include recreation of internal nasal lining, skeletal and cartilaginous support and external cover. We performed nasal reconstruction combined with turn-over island nasal skin flap for nasal lining reconstruction in 12 patients who underwent full-thickness resection of nasal area because of skin cancer. The flap filled the nasal lining defect of the alar area and provided a good support for skeletal reconstruction. The external skin coverage, which was enlarged according to the subunit principle, was restored by the forehead skin flap at the same operation. Enlarging the nasal defect according to the subunit principle and using the residual skin as a turn-over skin island flap for nasal lining, combined with forehead skin flap for external coverage, provides an excellent nasal reconstruction in a single operation.