Reconstructive perspectives of cutaneous defects involving the nasal tip: a retrospective review

Nasal Valve Insufficiency in Dermatologic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Few publications have addressed nasal valve (NV) insufficiency as a complication of Mohs micrographic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively review the literature and further characterize the causes, prevalence, evaluation, and management of NV insufficiency as it relates to cutaneous oncology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search was completed to identify articles related to the NV in the context of Mohs micrographic surgery, cutaneous oncology, and reconstruction.

RESULTS

Nasal valve insufficiency may occur during tumor removal and/or reconstruction. Defect size larger than 1 cm; location on the ala, sidewall, or alar crease; lack of structural support; and poorly planned flaps are the main risk factors for NV insufficiency. Several surgical techniques have been described to avoid and correct this complication.

CONCLUSION

Nasal valve insufficiency may be an underrecognized and underreported complication of Mohs micrographic surgery. Nasal valve insufficiency may be identified with relatively simple tests. Knowledge of NV anatomy and preoperative function assessment is essential. Recognition of this potential complication and awareness of its prevention and management may decrease morbidity in patients undergoing cutaneous surgery.

Checkmark rotation flap for nasal tip reconstruction in Asian patients

Background: Nasal tip reconstruction (NTR) of the Mohs defect is challenging, especially in Asians who have a relatively low nasal bridge and thin cartilages.Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of a new flap design, the checkmark rotation flap (CRF), for NTR in AsiansMethods and materials: We retrospectively reviewed 31 cases of NTR. Among these, 15 cases underwent CRF, which uses skin from the columellar or infra-tip area with a checkmark v-shaped incision (CRF group). The remaining 16 cases underwent reconstruction with other flaps such as the bilobed or island pedicle flap (Others group).Results: The average defect area was larger in the CRF than in the Others group (1.85 ± 1.01 cm² vs. 1.10 ± 0.72 cm², p = .0499), but the visual analog scale score was significantly higher in the CRF group (7.97 ± 1.36 vs. 6.25 ± 1.62, p = .0059). For complications, a depressed scar was observed in four cases (26.7%) in the CRF group; nine cases (56.3%) in the Others group presented with a depressed scar, hypertrophic scar, or scarring similar to a trap door deformity.Conclusion: CRF may be a favorable option for the reconstruction of intermediate-sized nasal tip defects, providing good cosmetic outcomes.

Complications in facial Mohs defect reconstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the recent literature in regards to complications after reconstruction of Mohs defects, outline common pitfalls and to discuss the literature on avoiding complications as outlined per aesthetic subunit.

RECENT FINDINGS

Complications in facial Mohs reconstruction commonly consist of infection, wound necrosis and dehiscence, hematoma and suboptimal scarring. However, site-specific complications such as hairline or eyebrow distortion, eyelid retraction or ectropion, nasal contour abnormality, alar retraction, nasal valve compromise, significant facial asymmetry or even oral incompetence must also be considered.

SUMMARY

A successful reconstruction mimics the premorbid state and maintains function. The use of perioperative antibiotics, sterile technique, meticulous hemostasis, subcutaneous dissection and deep sutures to minimize wound tension should be considered for all Mohs reconstructions. Cartilage grafting can minimize nasal deformity and obstruction. Reconstruction near the lower eyelid should employ periosteal suspension sutures to minimize downward tension and lid retraction. Perioral complications, such as microstomia and oral incompetence, typically improve with time and therapy. Always consider secondary procedures such as dermabrasion, steroid injection, scar revision and laser resurfacing to help optimize aesthetic outcome.

Injectables in the Nose: Facts and Controversies

Nasal injectables and surface treatments alter the appearance of the nose both primarily and following nasal surgery. Fillers such as hyaluronic acids, calcium hydroxyapatite, and fat have a variety of advantages and disadvantages in eliminating small asymmetries postrhinoplasty. All nasal injectables have rare but severe ocular and cerebral ischemic complications. The injection of steroids following nasal reconstruction has a role in preventing supratip swelling and can improve the appearance of grafts to the nose. Resurfacing techniques reduce the appearance of autotransplanted grafts to the nose; there is little controversy about their benefit but surgeon preference for timing is varied.

Facial reconstruction following Mohs micrographic surgery: a report of 622 cases

BACKGROUND

Around 100 to 200 patients undergo surgical reconstruction every year at our department of plastic and reconstructive surgery after Mohs micrographic surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the type of facial reconstructions performed and investigate whether we achieved increased, definitive closure rates of the defect on the day of the excision after further improving the collaboration between the involved departments.

METHODS

All patients who underwent facial reconstruction at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery following Mohs micrographic surgery between January 2006 and January 2011 were retrospectively systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 564 patients with 622 defects were identified. The different reconstructions used per aesthetic unit are described. The number of cases in which a reconstruction was performed on the same day as the resection significantly increased from 31 to 81% (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Facial reconstruction following Mohs micrographic surgery is challenging. The type of reconstruction used depends on the type of defect and patient characteristics. A structured multidisciplinary approach improves the process from defect to reconstruction and can facilitate referrals.

Aesthetic modification to the rintala flap: a case series

BACKGROUND

Defects of the nasal dorsum have historically been repaired based on size and with respect to subunit principle. This case series provides a previously undescribed option for correcting defects of the nasal dorsum 1.5-2.5 cm in size. The foremost advantages of this technique are preservation of nasal subunit integrity and the integration of subtle nasal tip rotation.

METHODS

We present a case series involving five consecutive patients aged 49-74 after Mohs excision for malignancies of the nasal dorsum. Defects were corrected using the aesthetic modification to the Rintala flap over a 10-year period by two primary surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

The aesthetic modification to the Rintala flap should be considered as a reconstruction option for patients with defects of the nasal dorsum between 1.5 and 2.5 cm in size, especially for those patients desiring rotation of the nasal tip.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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