Fusiform elliptical Burow's graft: a simple and practical esthetic approach for nasal tip reconstruction

Dermatol Surg. 2006 Jan;32(1):91-5.

Abstract

Background: Reconstruction of cutaneous nasal tip and supratip defects presents a common challenge in which esthetic outcomes are dependent on appropriate flap or graft selection and execution.

Observation: We describe the fusiform elliptical Burow's graft, a modified full-thickness skin graft, for repair of moderately sized nasal tip and supratip defects. It has the advantage of being a one-stage procedure with incisions and undermining similar to a primary closure. This technique allows the defect to become smaller in size and shallower in depth while taking the shape of a fusiform ellipse confined to a single cosmetic subunit. The color and texture match of the adjacent Burow's skin graft combined with its fusiform elliptical shape allow it to blend in more naturally with the nasal tip contour compared with the traditional circular-shaped Burow's graft, which is typically used on the nose.

Conclusion: The fusiform elliptical Burow's graft is a simple, reliable, easily reproducible, and esthetically pleasing technique for repair of defects on the nasal tip and supratip.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Nose Deformities, Acquired / surgery*
  • Rhinoplasty / methods*
  • Skin Transplantation*
  • Surgical Flaps*