Background: The nasal tip has unique skin texture, geographic, and topographic 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 patients who underwent nasolabial graft repair for nasal tip defects.
Methods: A retrospective review of photographic and written records as well as 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-up periods ranged from 3 to 28 months.
Results: Patient and doctor evaluators rated overall outcome as good or excellent in 95% and 89% of cases respectively.
Conclusion: We consider the nasolabial graft to be an important reconstructive option for nasal tip defects when the underlying cartilage is not involved.