Study of facial reconstruction in basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Head and neck reconstruction presents unique challenges as the defects of this region are often difficult to conceal and the demands on the surgeon’s reconstructive skills are greater than they are elsewhere in the body where cosmesis may be less vital and function less specialized. Reconstruction depends on the size as well as the location of the defect. Smaller defects created after excision can be covered by local flaps, however larger defects require a combination of flaps such as rotation, transposition, and cheek advancement. Defects located over and beyond the hairline can be covered by skin grafting as well. We have taken 10 such cases of basal cell carcinoma and explained the various surgical procedures performed on the patients. In 4 of the patients, defect was covered via grafting and in the remaining 6 patients, a combination of forehead flap and cheek advancement flap was done. All the cases have shown excellent functional as well as cosmetic result.