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Wave flap reliably repairs defects of mid-alar groove

The wave flap surgical technique produced a reliable, single-stage repair for defects in the horizontally oriented middle third of the alar groove, according to recently published study results.

Researchers conducted a retrospective case study of 10 patients (six men; median age, 64 years) who received Mohs micrographic surgery. A wave flap (WF) design was used to repair surgery defects involving the alar groove between February 2012 and January 2013.

Surgical defect diameters ranged from 7 to 17 mm, with a median diameter of 11 mm. The patients discontinued wound care at suture removal, with follow-up lasting at least 3 months.

Postoperative photographs, taken before steroid injection, were used to measure outcomes by three noninvestigator, board-certified general dermatologists using the Observer Scar Assessment Scale.

The observers gave the WF reconstruction an overall cosmesis score of 11.1 (out of a possible 50), which included subjective assessment of scar vascularity, pigment, pliability, relief and thickness. Complications, including necrosis or nasal valve dysfunction, were not reported.

“The WF is a tissue-sparing, single-stage repair option for defects spanning the middle third of the alar groove to involve the nasal ala and sidewall,” the researchers wrote. “Horizontally oriented, partial-thickness defects ranging in size from 8 to 15 mm are best suited for the WF.

“It produces good postoperative results at relatively early follow-up periods by providing local tissue match, concealment of incision lines within cosmetic subunits, and recreation of the alar groove.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.