Case 09 2026: Single-Stage Spear Flap Reconstruction of Recurrent Full-Thickness Nasal Alar Defects: A Two-Case Series
Lukas Kure-Rosenberg, Matilda Svenning, Mille Vissing. Magnus Balslev Avnstorp
Abstract
Keywords: Spear flap; nasolabial turnover flap; nasal ala reconstruction; basal cell carcinoma; case series Authors: Lukas Kure-Rosenberg, Matilda Svenning, Mille Vissing. Magnus Balslev Avnstorp Abstract Background: Reconstructing the full thickness of the nasal ala is technically challenging because it requires restoring contour, lining, and airway patency all at once. The Spear flap, also known as the nasolabial turnover flap, remains a useful single-stage option for selected lateral alar defects. Cases: Two elderly women presented with recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the ala nasi following multiple prior curettages. In case 1, excision resulted in a 20 × 12 mm through-and-through alar defect. In case 2, a recurrent lesion on the left alar measuring 11 × 8 mm initially required staged margin control before final reconstruction. Technique: Both defects were reconstructed using a cheek-based Spear flap after frozen-section-guided excision. Flap design was customized to recreate internal lining and external coverage while minimizing distortion of the alar rim and vestibule. Results: Both flaps remained viable, with no evidence of ischemia or venous congestion. Case 1 achieved complete oncologic clearance and healed with a stable contour; mild residual vestibular fullness did not warrant revision. In case 2, staged clearance allowed for delayed single stage inset, and early healing proceeded without complications. Conclusion: For recurrent through-and-through alar defects, the Spear flap is a reliable and practical reconstructive option. Especially in elderly patients with comorbidities or competing health issues, it provides dependable vascularity, good tissue match, and restores the alar subunit without the complexity of multi-stage procedures. Patient medical history Case 1 (left image) A 90-year-old woman was referred for recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the ala nasi after multiple previous curettages performed in a private dermatology practice in october 2025
BeforeAfterCase 1 (left image) A 90-year-old woman was referred for recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the ala nasi after multiple previous curettages performed in a private dermatology practice in october 2025. Preoperative biopsy inhouse demonstrated an infiltrative subtype. Her medical history included hypertension and ischemic heart disease. She had no smoking history and reported drinking 21 units of alcohol per week. Case 2 (right image) A 79-year-old woman presented with recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the left ala nasi after multiple previous curettages. Histology revealed nodular and infiltrative components, and an in-house 2 × 2 mm punch biopsy confirmed infiltrative basal cell carcinoma. Her medical history was significant for carcinoma of the cardia, and she was undergoing immunotherapy. She had no smoking history and did not report alcohol use.
Preoperative view of recurrent alar basal cell carcinoma after multiple prior curettages with planned Spear flap markings in the cheek/nasolabial reservoir.
Tumor was excised including all layers of the right lateral alar. Tumor can be seen in the lateral interior mucosa of the nose and the interior marking (left picture) demonstrate where excision was planned to from tumor side (5mm). Complet sample for histopatological examination and lastly, through-and-through defect after excision and margin re-excision. The tumor excision, resulting in a 20 × 12 mm complete alar defect involving the central bulbous part of the nose. Frozen section analysis indicated clear margins except at the 12 o’clock margin, where residual tumor was within 5 mm; thus, an additional 4 mm rim was re-excised before reconstruction.
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The defect was reconstructed in the same session using a Spear flap. A cheek-based flap was designed along the nasolabial fold, raised while preserving subcutaneous vascularity, turned medially to recreate the internal lining, and folded outward to cover the external alar rim. The flap was carefully raised with respect to the underlying perfusion vessels pointed out (left image). Complete elevation of the flap with demonstration of the turnover design (central). The flap is anchored inside-out with suturing of the nasal lining, subcutaneous plan, and finally the exterior skin (right). The flap was inset without undue tension.
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The immediate postoperative appearance with final reconstruction appeared viable with no signs of ischemia or venous congestion. At suture removal (not shown), the reconstruction continued to appear viable with no defects or sings of infection.
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During later follow-up, the contour remained stable. Mild vestibular fullness persisted, but the patient opted not to pursue secondary thinning or revision
5
The clinical lesion initially measured 11 × 8 mm (left). During the first surgery, frozen section analysis showed residual tumor at the 6 o’clock margin and the deep margin (central). Re-excision resulted in a through-and-through defect involving a larger portion of the mucosa (right), and definitive reconstruction was deferred while the defect remained open pending expedited histopatological margin control.
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At the second surgery nov. In 2025, frozen sections from the remaining superior margin (10 to 2 o’clock) were clear and verified previous histology, allowing for definitive reconstruction. A Spear flap was designed from the adjacent cheek and transposed in a turnover fashion to recreate the alar lining and outer cover in a single stage. The flap perfused well during surgery.
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Case 1:
At suture removal, the reconstruction appeared viable with no signs of ischemia or venous congestion. During later follow-up, the contour remained stable. Mild vestibular fullness persisted, but the patient opted not to pursue secondary thinning or revision
Case 2:
The patient was seen 10 days postoperatively for suture removal, and healing was uncomplicated. No further routine follow-up was scheduled because of other ongoing oncologic treatment so patient wished no further corrections
Conclusion:
The Spear flap remains a reliable single-stage option for specific recurrent through-and-through defects of the nasal ala. In elderly patients and in cases where previous treatments or other disease burdens make complex staged reconstruction less desirable, it provides dependable vascularity, a good tissue match, and restoration of the alar subunit with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results.
How to cite this article
Lukas Kure-Rosenberg, Matilda Svenning, Mille Vissing. Magnus Balslev Avnstorp. Case 09 2026: Single-Stage Spear Flap Reconstruction of Recurrent Full-Thickness Nasal Alar Defects: A Two-Case Series. Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery. 2026.
Open access. © 2026 The Author(s). Published by the Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery. Copyright to this case is shared between the author(s) and the journal; authors may reuse their own case for education, presentations and social media.
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