Reconstruction of superficial skin cancer defects of the nose.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviewed the results of reconstruction of surface nasal defects after removal of skin cancer.


METHODS
One hundred patients with 103 surface defects involving various locations on the nose were treated. Management included direct closure, secondary epithelization, full-thickness skin grafts, and local flaps using 1 or 2 stages.


RESULTS
Ten nasal defects were treated by direct closure, 8 defects healed by secondary epithelization, and 30 patients were treated with a full-thickness skin graft. Fifty-five defects were reconstructed with local flaps including 30 one-stage and 25 two-stage flaps.


CONCLUSIONS
Many options are available for reconstructing nasal defects that can lead to acceptable aesthetic results. Among the factors that need to be addressed before choosing a procedure for reconstruction of surface nasal defects resulting from skin cancer are size and location of the defect, aesthetic concerns, and the medical status of the patient.
Herford
A S
AS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Zide
M F
MF
D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004848:Epithelium / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing