Question:
An elderly member of my family recently had significant removal of nose
tissue following diagnosis of skin cancer.The nose was reconstructed from
skin pulled down from the forehead. Can anyone who has had similar
treatment tell us what follow up to expect? We are concerned that the age
80+ person (who was previously very active and is otherwise healthy) may
become a recluse.
Answer:
That type of reconstruction (called a midline forehead flap) is the best
way to rebuild the nose after cancer surgery and usually gives very good
cosmetic results. The nose won't look totally normal, and often times a
small revision or two must be done, but it certainly would not be an
excuse for someone becoming a recluse. After the initial surgery bringing
down the flap, the blood supply to the skin must be cut 2-6 weeks after
the original procedure. That can be done under local anesthesia.
Sometimes another small revision is done if the resulting tissue has not
healed properly. But this person should be able to get back to regular
activities quite quickly.
