Management for Raw Surface of Forehead Flap Using Artificial Collagen Membrane

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The forehead flap is the workhorse in nasal reconstruction, which provides a similar skin color, texture, structure, and reliability. There are some disadvantages, including donor site morbidities, 2- or 3-stage operations, and postoperative management after initial flap transfer. Furthermore, there has been little attention to the exposed raw surface wound, after the first stage of an operation. This article describes the authors??modification to overcome this problem, using artificial collagen membrane. METHODS: An Artificial collagen membrane is composed of an outer silicone membrane and an inner collagen layer. After a forehead flap elevation, the expected raw surface was covered by an artificial collagen membrane with 5-0 nylon suture. A simple dressing, which had been applied to the site, was changed every 2 or 3 days in an outpatient unit. At 3 weeks postprocedure, a second stage operation was performed. RESULTS: With biosynthetic protection of the raw surface, there were no wound problems, such as infection or flap loss. Thus, the patient was satisfied due to an effortless management of the wound and a reduction in pain. CONCLUSION: The application of an artificial collagen membrane to the raw under-surface of the flap could be a comfortable and a protective choice for this procedure.