[Early management of scrape and denuding injuries of the face after bicycle accidents. Prevention of scar ectropion].

Bicycle accidents may cause typical skin defects in the maxillary area if the unprotected face of the bicyclist hits the ground. Cicatricial ectropion is a frequent result. We report on 22 patients with facial skin defects after bicycle accidents and demonstrate a new concept for early treatment of facial skin abrasions and skin defects. Transtarsal traction sutures, temporary closure of skin defects by synthetic skin, and delayed free-skin grafting can prevent cicatricial ectropion even in large skin defects extending beyond the orbital margin. The overall time for treatment is significantly reduced.