[Principles of nasal defect repair]

[Options for reconstruction of nasal defects]

As far as aesthetic and functional aspects are concerned, local as well as regional flaps are mainly recommended for facial plastic surgery. A careful preoperative planning is essential. Adequate knowledge of various surgical options of reconstruction as well as their implementation into clinical practice are of utmost importance. The surgical procedure is selected on the basis of the patients' demands and the properties of the surgical site to which the selected technique must be adapted. The current review presents frequently used and recommendable methods for the reconstruction of nasal defects.

Patientenzufriedenheit von 1827 Patienten nach verschiedenen Rekonstruktionsmethoden im Gesichtsbereich in Abhängigkeit von Alter, Defektgröße und Lokalisation

HINTERGRUND

Nach Tumoroperationen erfolgt ein Defektverschluss mit den für den individuellen Fall optimalen chirurgischen Methoden. Besonders im Kopf-Hals--Bereich ist das Ergebnis sehr wichtig. Ziel der retrospektiven Studie war es, Rekonstruktionsmethoden von Defekten entsprechend Alter, Lokalisation und Größe nach funktionellen und ästhetischen Gesichtspunkten zu vergleichen.

PATIENTEN UND METHODIK

Die betroffenen Patienten wurden mittels Fragebögen angeschrieben. 1827 Patienten (Alter von 18 bis 92 Jahren, Median: 56 Jahre) beurteilten postoperative Probleme, ästhetisches sowie funktionelles Ergebnis und das Gesamtresultat. Aus der Patientenakte wurden Größe und Lokalisation des Defektes sowie die Art des Verschlusses dokumentiert.

ERGEBNISSE

Die Dehnungslappenplastik erhielt bezüglich des Gesamtresultats mit einer sehr guten oder guten Bewertung (86 %) das beste Ergebnis. Lappenplastiken und Hauttransplantate wurden schlechter beurteilt. Postoperative Beschwerden traten signifikant häufiger nach lokalen Lappenplastiken auf. Die Sichtbarkeit der Narbe wurde von älteren Patienten bei allen Defektgrößen (< 150 mm² , 150-300 mm² , > 300 mm² ) geringer beurteilt als von jüngeren. Narben in der zentralen Gesichtspartie wurden als sichtbarer wahrgenommen. Geschlecht und Rauchen hatten keinen Einfluss.

SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN

Narben in zentralen Gesichtsregionen werden stärker wahrgenommen. Ältere Patienten beurteilten die Narbenbildung insgesamt als unauffälliger. Dehnungslappenplastiken, auch unter Wundrandspannung, führen zu sehr guten Ergebnissen und einer hohen Patientenzufriedenheit.

Patient satisfaction in 1,827 patients following various methods of facial reconstruction based on age, defect size and site

BACKGROUND

Defect coverage following tumor excision requires a case-by-case decision as regards the optimal reconstruction technique. In the head and neck region in particular, the cosmetic outcome is of major importance. The objective of the present study was to compare various reconstruction methods in terms of their functional and aesthetic outcome based on patient age, defect size and site.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Overall, 1,827 patients (age: 18-92 years, median age: 56 years) were contacted. Using a standardized questionnaire, they were asked to assess postoperative complications, cosmetic and functional outcome, and the overall result of the surgical procedure. In addition, patient records were used to collect data on defect size and site as well as the type of surgical procedure employed.

RESULTS

Rated as very good or good (86 %), defect closure by advancement flaps received the highest scores in terms of overall result. Other flaps and skin grafts were rated less favorably. Postoperative complications were significantly more common after local flaps. Irrespective of defect size (< 150 mm² , 150-300 mm² , > 300 mm² ), older patients considered the visibility of the scar to be less prominent than younger individuals. Scars in the central facial region were perceived to be more visible. Gender and smoking habits had no impact on the results of the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

Scars in the central facial region were perceived to be more prominent. Overall, older individuals considered their scars to be less conspicuous. Even though they are initially associated with greater tension, advancement flaps resulted in very good aesthetic and functional results and a high level of patient satisfaction.

Laser therapy of a dermal nevus in the esthetic zone of the nasal tip: A case report and comprehensive literature review

This case report demonstrates the ablation of a dermal nevus using a diode laser in the esthetically very demanding facial area of the nasal tip. The clinical outcome shows good results and a high level of patient satisfaction. Due to effective wound granulation and healing, elaborate skin grafts could be avoided. The application of the contact laser ensures safe treatment in highly perfused areas thanks to haptic feedback and good coagulative effect. The method should therefore be considered as an alternative to other ablative procedures for benign lesions in the facial area.

[Skin tumors in facial plastic surgery]

As the incidence of facial skin tumors is rising, otorhinolaryngologists are becoming more and more involved in the field of facial plastic surgery. The most common tumor locations on the head are the sun-exposed areas such as the nose, forehead, cheek, and auricle. The most common histologic findings are actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. In planning tumor resection and defect repair, many factors, including histology, size, and localization of the tumor as well as conditions of the adjacent skin, must be considered. The key to defect repair after tumor resection is to choose the most appropriate technique from a range of possibilities. Because of skin laxity, most small and midsize facial defects can be closed directly or with high-tension sutures under skin expansion. More extensive defects and those located in critical areas require pedicled flaps or free grafts transferring skin from adjacent or distant areas. In patients with recurrent or deeply infiltrative tumors, reconstructive procedures of the facial nerve, parotid duct, and lacrimal duct might be needed. This is also true for reconstruction of the anatomic framework of the eyelids, the nose, and the pinna.