title: Reconstruction of nasal defects with forehead flaps in patients older than 75 years of age.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As the number of elderly patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increases, the number of patients receiving dermatologic surgery also increases. Multimorbidity in this patient group is common.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes and complications of forehead flap (FHF) in elderly patients with NMSC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2006 and 2011, data for 28 patients 75 years of age or older who had been treated with FHFs under tumescent local anaesthesia were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median age of the study participants was 81 years (range, 75-95 years). Of the 28 total patients, 16 (57%) were female and 12 (43%) were male. The average defect size was 11 cm(2) (5-30 cm(2)). Cartilage grafts were used in four patients (14%). The average time to takedown was 25 days (17-45). The median follow-up for the patients was 10 months (1-60 months). There were seven treatment-related complications due to infectious causes (2), epidermal necrotic tissue (2), bleeding (1), hair on the flap (1) and alar rim notching (1). No life-threatening complications were detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The FHF procedure is a safe and low-risk procedure in patients 75 years of age or older with advanced skin defects. If a defect requires an FHF to obtain a normal and aesthetic appearance, this procedure should be performed. However, dermatologists must weigh the safety of the procedure in relation to the clinical benefits when managing this patient group.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Kendler
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Averbeck
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Wetzig
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps