II. Precautions: Nasal Ala Laceration

  1. Close approximation is critical to a good cosmetic result
  2. Close each layer (mucosa, cartilage and skin) individually
  3. Consider plastic surgery for closure if there is any step-off or deformity

III. Preparation: Regional Anesthesia

IV. Technique: Nasal Ala Laceration Repair

  1. Step 1: Mucosa closure
    1. Close with Absorbable Suture (fast absorbing gut or chromic Suture)
  2. Step 2: Cartilage closure
    1. Close with 5-0 or 6-0 nylon or monocryl
    2. Requires close approximation (analogous to lip vermilion border)
    3. Use a keystone or stay stitch to best approximate the edges
  3. Step 3: Skin closure
    1. Undermine skin to remove excess tension
    2. Close with nylon or ProleneSutures (to be removed in 5 days)

V. References

  1. Claudius, LoTempio, Behar and Swaminathan in Herbert (2016) EM:Rap 16(8): 2-3

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