THE NASOLABIAL FOLD DONOR SITE FOR FULL-THICKNESS SKIN-GRAFTS OF NASAL TIP DEFECTS

BACKGROUND. The nasal tip has unique skin texture, geographic, and top ographic qualities that frequently make repair of defects in this area difficult from the standpoint of function and cosmesis. OBJECTIVE. To assess seven outcome variables of function and cosmesis in 41 patient s who underwent nasolabial graft repair for nasal tip defects. METHODS . A retrospective review of photographic and written records as well a s person to person and phone interviews with 41 patients who underwent nasolabial graft repair of nasal tip defects after Mohs micrographic surgery was performed. Seven outcome variables were assessed. Follow-u p periods ranged from 3 to 28 months. RESULTS. Patient and doctor eval uators rated overall outcome as good or excellent in 95% and 89% of ca ses respectively. CONCLUSION. We consider the nasolabial graft to be a n important reconstructive option for nasal tip defects when the under lying cartilage is not involved.