title: Repair of the alar groove with combination partial primary closure and second-intention healing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The reconstruction of small defects of the alar groove can be a unique challenge owing to the importance of maintaining its concave structure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present a report of a patient with a small alar groove defect that was repaired using a combination of partial primary closure and second-intention healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 73-year-old female was referred for the treatment of a basal cell carcinoma of the right nasal ala and underwent Mohs micrographic surgery with clearance of the lesion. The final defect, less than 1 cm, extended to the subcutaneous fat. Two absorbable subcutaneous sutures were placed in the defect, and the wound was then allowed to heal by second intention. RESULTS. This closure yielded a good cosmetic result, with preservation of the alar groove.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A combination of primary closure and second-intention healing is a time-efficient, low-risk option for nonperforating, small alar groove defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0523, USA. michellepipitone@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Michelle A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pipitone
authors.forename: Hugh M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Gloster
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing