Lateral nose and perinasal defects: options in management following Mohs micrographic surgery for cutaneous carcinoma.

Primary and recurrent cutaneous carcinomas of the nose and the adjacent perinasal tissues often invade more deeply than cutaneous carcinomas in other areas. The operative defect may be large. The physician who has to close these defects is faced with a challenging problem that requires an appreciation of facial anatomy and function. There is often more than one option in the repair of these defects. Important concepts in the management of lateral nose and perinasal surgical defects are discussed.