Aesthetic Outcomes of Nasal Burow's Grafts With Interdomal Sutures After Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Dermatol Surg. 2020 Feb;46(2):180-185. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002018.

Abstract

Background: Post-Mohs reconstruction of distal nasal defects is challenging. Many repair options exist, each with advantages and disadvantages. Utilization of a Burow's graft in combination with manipulation of the underlying nasal cartilages with interdomal sutures is an underreported yet effective repair option.

Objective: To present the authors' experience with Burow's grafts facilitated by interdomal sutures for repair of nasal defects after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).

Materials and methods: Patients who underwent repair with Burow's grafts and interdomal sutures from 2013 to 2017 at a single university were identified. Demographics, follow-up, and complications were recorded. Two independent, board-certified dermatologists evaluated photographs for cosmesis and alar symmetry.

Results: Thirty-one patients were identified. A total of 5/31 patients (16.1%) experienced minor complications without permanent sequelae. A total of 4/31 (12.9%) patients underwent cosmetic revision. No incidences of pincushioning, nasal valve dysfunction, or graft necrosis occurred. Aesthetic ratings were good to excellent with mean visual analog score of 80.8. Alar symmetry was excellent.

Conclusion: A Burow's full-thickness skin graft facilitated by an interdomal suture to maintain nasal tip orientation and projection is an elegant repair technique for distal nasal oncologic defects with good to excellent aesthetic outcomes. It should be considered in the armamentarium for repair of distal nasal defects after MMS.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Esthetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mohs Surgery / adverse effects*
  • Nasal Cartilages / surgery*
  • Nose Neoplasms / surgery
  • Rhinoplasty / methods*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Surgical Flaps / transplantation*
  • Suture Techniques
  • Treatment Outcome