Nasal Tip Reconstruction Using Integra Bilayer Wound Matrix: An Alternative to the Forehead Flap.

Unlabelled: Large defects of the nasal tip with exposure of the underlying cartilage pose a significant reconstructive challenge to the plastic surgeon.

Objective: This article presents a case of a large nasal tip defect following basal cell excision that was successfully treated with Integra bilayer wound matrix and skin grafting.

Methods: Following tumor excision, meshed Integra bilayer wound matrix was placed over the exposed nasal tip cartilage.

Treatment of eccrine carcinoma of the chin via submental island flap.

Background: The submental artery island flap is a reliable reconstructive option for lower face defects. Advantages of this flap include suppleness of tissue, excellent color and texture match to facial skin, a wide arc of rotation, prominent blood supply, and a well-hidden donor site scar.

Methods: This article describes a 61-year-old man with eccrine carcinoma of the chin necessitating extensive excision.

Craniofacial and head and neck applications of the transaxillary latissimus dorsi flap.

The use of a transaxillary latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is suitable whenever a large volume of tissue is required for head and neck reconstruction. Our series of 63 transaxillary latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap reconstructions included three cases of complete flap necrosis and ten cases of partial flap necrosis. When used in reconstructive head and neck surgery, the latissimus dorsi vascular pedicle is separate from the radiated field.

Successful correction of velopharyngeal stress incompetence in musicians playing wind instruments.

Two professional musicians who played wind instruments developed velopharyngeal stress incompetence which prevented them from generating the high intraoral pressures required to play their instruments. In both cases, we did a V-Y pushback with a superiorly-based pharyngeal flap. At 1 1/2 and two years postoperatively, both patients remain free of velopharyngeal incompetence and are actively engaged in their musical careers.